What Is a High Blood Sugar Rate?

A person's blood sugar, or blood glucose, can be measured any time of day or night, before or after meals. A "normal" reading depends largely on the individual and the conditions and timing surrounding the reading. Know what a normal range is so that you can track your blood sugar levels more effectively.

Tests

• Blood sugar, or blood glucose, is measured through a blood sample. The most common glucose screening is a fasting test, in which no food or drink has been consumed in the previous eight hours.
  The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is a fasting glucose tolerance test in which the patient drinks a high-glucose drink and is tested two hours later. In some OGTTs, blood samples are taken over an extended period of time, usually in one- and two-hour increments, to measure the body's tolerance for high glucose consumption.
  With a fasting test, readings between 70 and 99 mg/dL are considered normal. A glucose test taken within two hours after eating should be between 70 and 145 mg/dL to be considered normal. Readings higher than these ranges are high, indicating that the test should be repeated and that you should meet with a health care professional to determine if further testing is needed.

Causes of High Blood Glucose

• High blood glucose may signal a pre-diabetic or diabetic condition, but it can also be the result of other physical stresses, such as a heart attack or stroke. Emotional or mental stress, as well as the use of certain medications, can also affect blood sugar levels. A high reading does not necessarily signal a pre-diabetic or diabetic condition.
  A diagnosis of diabetes is categorized as either type 1 or type 2. Between 5 and 10 percent of diabetics have type 1 diabetes, which means the body cannot produce insulin. The most common form of diabetes, however, is type 2, in which the body cannot use insulin properly.
  Other forms of diabetes include gestational diabetes, a condition of high blood glucose in pregnant women, and pre-diabetes, which is a general elevation of blood glucose levels. An estimated 57 million Americans have a pre-diabetic condition.

Symptoms of Diabetes

• Diabetes may be signaled by a variety of physical symptoms before a blood glucose screening is performed. Among them are unexplained weight loss, increased frequency of urination, extreme or increased thirst and extreme or increased hunger.

Diabetes Risks

• Diabetes can lead to other health risks. These include heart disease and stroke. Complications from diabetes are varied and involve circulatory, kidney, vision, skin problems and nerve damage.

Prevention/Solution

• To prevent diabetes and keep your blood sugar in check, commit to making good lifestyle choices. Maintain a normal weight, increase your physical activity and eat a healthy diet. Your diet should be rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, non-fat dairy and lean meats. Cut back on processed foods, and watch portions at every meal.