Glucose, also called monosaccharide, is a simple sugar produced by carbohydrate digestion. It is the main source of energy that fuels the body. The amount of glucose in the bloodstream is regulated by a hormone called insulin. Although blood glucose levels are not constant because of varying needs of the body, in healthy people, the levels are maintained at about 70 to 110 mg/dL (milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood), according to "Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary." Dangerous blood sugar levels result from either too much or too little glucose, and its effects on the body.
Hyperglycemia
Blood sugar levels rise after you eat and during times of physical stress such as illness or trauma. Symptoms of hyperglycemia include increased thirst and urination. Diabetes is diagnosed when blood glucose is above 126 mg/dL while fasting. Uncontrolled hyperglycemia can lead to major complications such as stroke, heart attack, nerve damage and kidney disorders.
Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar levels result from too little food or excessive activity. Hypoglycemia symptoms include hunger, nervousness, heart palpitations, confusion, anxiety and other neurological complications. According to the Mayo Clinic, severe prolonged hypoglycemia can lead to loss of consciousness and seizures.
Ketoacidosis
Also known as "diabetic coma", ketoacidosis results from untreated hyperglycemia with blood glucose above 300 mg/dL, according Medline Plus, a website of the National Institutes of Health. Due to unavailability of insulin to break down glucose for energy, the body starts breaking down fat and creating a waste product called ketones. The body cannot get rid of all of the ketones, so they build up in the bloodstream. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fruity-smelling breath and dehydration leading to dry skin, dry mucous membranes and lethargy. Ketoacidosis is a life-threatening condition and requires immediate treatment. This is also a major complication for people diagnosed with type I diabetes.
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)
HHNS occurs when the blood glucose level is above 600 mg/dL. Although similar to ketoacidosis in that it is a dangerous complication, there is no ketone buildup involved. Because there are extremely high amounts of sugar in the blood, your body tries to get rid of it by passing it through the urine, leading to excessive urination causing severe dehydration. If this continues, it may lead to seizures, coma and eventually death. This condition is primarily associated with type II diabetes.
Prevention
Controlling dangerous blood sugar levels starts with proper prevention. A healthy diet and proper meal planning can help you avoid extreme elevations and drops of your blood glucose level. This includes eating at appropriate time intervals, watching how much sugar and carbohydrates you intake, limiting use of alcohol and eating a diet full of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Also, exercising regularly will help maintain the blood glucose level within a healthy range.
References
- Hyperglycemia: When Your Blood Glucose Level Goes Too High
- "Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary"; Donald Venes, M.D., M.S.J.; 2005
- Mayo Clinic: Hypoglycemia
- Medline Plus: Diabetic Ketoacidosis
