Blood sugar, or glucose, is the body’s primary energy source, derived from carbohydrates in food. It travels through the bloodstream, fueling all bodily functions. Maintaining balanced blood sugar levels is important for overall health. This article explores the significance of a 220 mg/dL blood sugar reading, its implications, and steps to manage and prevent such elevated levels.
What Blood Sugar Levels Mean
Blood sugar refers to the amount of glucose circulating in your bloodstream, measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). After digestion, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which then enters the bloodstream. The pancreas releases insulin, a hormone that helps glucose enter cells for energy use. Without sufficient insulin or if the body resists its effects, glucose can accumulate in the blood.
Healthcare providers classify blood sugar levels into categories to indicate a person’s metabolic state. A normal fasting blood sugar level, taken after at least eight hours without food, is below 100 mg/dL. Levels between 100 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL on a fasting test indicate prediabetes. A fasting level of 126 mg/dL or higher, on two separate tests, points to a diagnosis of diabetes.
Two hours after eating, a normal blood sugar level is less than 140 mg/dL, while 140 to 199 mg/dL suggests prediabetes, and 200 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes. A reading of 220 mg/dL is notably elevated, falling into the diabetic range regardless of when the measurement was taken.
Why 220 mg/dL is a Concern
A blood sugar reading of 220 mg/dL is considered high (hyperglycemic) and can immediately affect the body. When glucose levels reach this point, the kidneys work harder to filter out the excess sugar, leading to increased urination as the body attempts to excrete it. This fluid loss can cause dehydration, manifesting as increased thirst and dry mouth.
Elevated levels can also cause fatigue and weakness, as cells may not efficiently receive glucose for energy despite its abundance in the blood. Blurred vision is another common symptom, occurring because high sugar levels can cause fluid to shift into the eye’s lens, affecting its ability to focus. Untreated, sustained hyperglycemia can also increase susceptibility to infections, as high glucose environments can impair immune function. A single reading of 220 mg/dL indicates a state where more serious acute conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) could develop if the high blood sugar persists or rises further.
Immediate Steps for High Blood Sugar
Upon discovering a blood sugar reading of 220 mg/dL, immediate action is important. First, retest your blood sugar to confirm accuracy. If the reading remains high, drink plenty of water to help flush excess sugar from the bloodstream through increased urination and counteract dehydration.
Engaging in light physical activity, such as a brisk walk, can help lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity and allowing muscles to use glucose for energy. However, if you have symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or fruity-smelling breath, which could indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, avoid exercise and seek urgent medical attention. Check for other hyperglycemia symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, or blurred vision, and contact a healthcare professional promptly for guidance.
Addressing and Preventing High Blood Sugar
Managing and preventing consistently high blood sugar levels involves lifestyle adjustments and ongoing medical care. A balanced diet is central, emphasizing whole foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, while limiting processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive carbohydrates. Regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar. Maintaining a healthy body weight through diet and exercise also benefits blood sugar control.
Medical care is essential for management. This includes regular blood sugar monitoring and consistent communication with your doctor. Healthcare professionals may prescribe medications, such as oral medications like metformin (which reduces liver glucose production) or other classes that stimulate insulin release or improve its effectiveness. For some, insulin therapy may be necessary. Untreated chronic hyperglycemia can lead to long-term complications affecting various organs, including nerve damage (neuropathy), kidney disease (nephropathy), vision problems (retinopathy), and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.