How high can blood sugar go before death
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Summary
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These studies suggest that extremely high blood sugar levels, particularly above 180 mg/dL, are associated with increased mortality, but specific fatal thresholds are not clearly defined.
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The Impact of High Blood Sugar Levels on Mortality
Introduction to Blood Sugar and Mortality
High blood sugar levels, or hyperglycemia, can have severe consequences on health, particularly concerning mortality. This article synthesizes research findings on how elevated blood glucose levels can lead to increased mortality risks, especially in non-diabetic individuals.
Blood Glucose Levels and Mortality Risk
Non-Diabetic Individuals and Mortality
Research has shown that even non-diabetic individuals with high blood glucose levels are at a significantly increased risk of mortality. A study involving middle-aged men from the Whitehall, Paris Prospective, and Helsinki Policemen cohorts found that those in the upper 20% of the 2-hour glucose distribution had a 1.6 times higher risk of all-cause mortality compared to those in the lower 80%. Similarly, men in the upper 2.5% for fasting glucose had a twofold increased risk of all-cause mortality.
Cardiovascular Mortality
High blood glucose levels are a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which are leading causes of death globally. Elevated blood glucose levels contribute to 21% of deaths from ischemic heart disease and 13% from stroke. This association is particularly pronounced in low- and middle-income countries, where the majority of these deaths occur.
Postload Plasma Glucose and Long-Term Mortality
The Erfurt Study highlighted that men with postload plasma glucose levels greater than 200 mg/dL had a 1.5-fold increased risk of death over a 30-year period compared to those with lower glucose levels. This indicates that postload hyperglycemia is a significant long-term predictor of mortality even in non-diabetic individuals.
Critical Blood Glucose Levels Leading to Death
Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Hyperglycemia
In cases of diabetic ketoacidosis, blood glucose levels can become critically high, often exceeding 0.5-0.6% (500-600 mg/dL). Such extreme levels are life-threatening and require immediate medical intervention. The study on postmortem glucose levels in various body fluids also supports that fatal diabetic ketoacidosis cases exhibit significantly elevated glucose levels.
Intensive Glucose Control in Critically Ill Patients
Interestingly, intensive glucose control in critically ill patients, aiming for blood glucose levels between 81 to 108 mg/dL, was associated with higher mortality compared to conventional control targeting levels of 180 mg/dL or less. This suggests that overly aggressive glucose lowering in critical care settings may be detrimental.
Conclusion
High blood glucose levels, even in non-diabetic individuals, significantly increase the risk of mortality, particularly from cardiovascular diseases. Extremely high levels, such as those seen in diabetic ketoacidosis, are directly life-threatening. While managing blood glucose is crucial, overly intensive control in critically ill patients may increase mortality risks. These findings underscore the importance of balanced glucose management to reduce mortality risks.
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