Emergency Blood Sugar Levels: When to Seek Medical Attention

High blood sugar levels can be a serious health concern, especially if they reach dangerously high levels or are accompanied by severe symptoms. Understanding what blood sugar levels necessitate urgent medical attention is crucial for everyone with diabetes, as well as for those who might be experiencing a diabetes emergency. This guide provides insights into when you should consider going to the hospital due to high blood sugar, along with some personal stories and expert advice.

When to Go to the Hospital for High Blood Sugar

If your blood sugar level exceeds 300 mg/dL and is accompanied by symptoms such as confusion, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness, seek immediate medical attention. Extremely high blood sugar levels can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition that requires prompt treatment.

It's essential to recognize that individual responses to high blood sugar can vary. Therefore, if you experience severe symptoms or any concerns, it's best to consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

Personal Experience with Severe Blood Sugar Levels

In a recent conversation, Roksana shared her personal experience involving a significantly high blood sugar level. On October 2010, she was ordered to the emergency room with blood glucose levels over 500 mg/dL, which were so high they were unreadable. After receiving two bags of saline solution and an insulin injection, her levels dropped into the 200s and she was sent home.

Fast-forward to a few minutes ago, Roksana took her blood glucose reading and found it was 90 mg/dL, down from previously being on insulin or diabetes medication for two years. She attributed this significant improvement to a ketogenic diet, stating that her morning readings dropped into the low hundreds within ten days and stabilizing in the 70s to 90s over a few months.

Expert Insight: Managing Type 2 Diabetes

Dr. Jason Fung, a kidney specialist and an expert in diabetes management, advises that managing type 2 diabetes through a low-carb, high-fat diet can be relatively easy, but reversing the effects of the disease on the body is more challenging. He recommends the low-carb, high-fat approach to managing type 2 diabetes and suggests exploring his work for a deeper understanding.

Dr. Fung's perspective highlights the importance of ongoing medical guidance and lifestyle changes in diabetes management. His work emphasizes that while daily glucose monitoring and the right diet can bring about significant improvements, comprehensive care often involves multifaceted approaches.

Expert Opinion: What Are Normal Blood Sugar Levels?

For individuals without diabetes, the normal range for fasting blood sugar is 70-99 mg/dL. Consistently monitoring your blood sugar levels and being familiar with your personal range can help you recognize when your levels are out of control, necessitating a visit to your doctor.

Even if your blood sugar levels are above 300 mg/dL but without severe symptoms, it is still advisable to make an appointment with your healthcare provider to determine the cause and receive appropriate care. This assessment can help identify control failures and address them proactively, particularly in individuals with type 1 diabetes, where ketoacidosis is a potential risk.

Conclusion

High blood sugar can be a serious and urgent matter, and seeking medical attention when your levels are dangerously high or accompanied by severe symptoms is crucial. Personal experiences and expert advice emphasize the importance of early intervention and ongoing care in managing diabetes effectively.