Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia Diagnosis
Hyperglycemia is diagnosed using a range13 of normal and elevated blood glucose levels.
A normal blood sugar range for a person under 59 who does not have any underlying medical conditions is 80-120 mg/dL. For a person over 60 without underlying medical conditions, the normal range is between 100-140 mg/dL. People with diabetes may have blood sugar levels between 80-130 mg/dL prior to meals and between 80-180 mg/dL after meals.
Your healthcare provider will determine an appropriate blood sugar range for you, as there is no one value that is applicable to every person.
Blood sugar monitoring
People with hyperglycemia can monitor their blood sugar levels14 by using a blood glucose meter, which uses a finger-prick to test the glucose levels in a small amount of blood. Those who have been diagnosed with diabetes or hyperglycemia may already be aware of the signs and symptoms that occur when their body is entering a hyperglycemic state. If you suspect your blood sugar is high, you should test your blood glucose levels to ensure that you’re in a safe range.
If your blood glucose level is above 240 mg/dL, you should test your urine for the presence of ketones using an over-the-counter kit. If ketones are present in your urine, seek emergency medical treatment. This may be a sign that you’re entering a serious state known as diabetic ketoacidosis, which can be very harmful if left untreated.
Hemoglobin A1C test
A hemoglobin A1C test15 is a blood test that’s used to check your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. A normal A1C level is at or below 5.7%. If your A1C level is higher than 5.7%, your healthcare provider may recommend adjusting your medication protocol or treatment plan to help bring it back down. An A1C level greater than 6.5% pm two separate tests qualifies as diabetic.
It’s important to remember that there is often variability in test results between labs. Additionally, older adults and those with certain medical conditions may have naturally higher A1C levels that do not require intervention. Your healthcare provider will consider where you have had your blood tests done (and whether you should undergo further testing) when evaluating your results.
Related Conditions
Disclaimer: The information on this site is generalized and is not medical advice. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard seeking advice or delay in seeking treatment because of something you have read on our site. RxSaver makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of this information.
If you are in crisis or you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
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