Question about elevated sugar levels?

Question

My neighbor is in his 60's and said he has a sugar level of 273 and is starting to feel "woozy". I know the normal range is 80 - 100 so it's definately elevated but is 273 anything to freak out about and go to the hospital or should he just sit down and rest. I remember hearing that critical highs are 400+ from somewhere so I was curious what he should/could do to help. He isn't a full blown diabetic so he doesn't have insulin shots.

Answer 1

Hi
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Answer 2

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Answer 3

I am assuming that you don't know his health history or type of diabetes/medication/treatments. It sounds like he maybe becoming type 2 diabetic
I am type two diabetic who was told at first that I was glucose intolerant. I almost died at age 19 from it... my sugars ended up in the high 800's.
Please let his family know what is going on if they are available. 273 is unacceptable and extended periods of sugars that high can cause heart and circulatory issues, kidney failure, etc.
If his family is not around, keep an eye on his sugars for him. Have him check in the morning (fasting) and right before and two hours after meals. If his sugars are never in the acceptable range (80-140 is okay... 80-120 is better) He needs to see a doctor and cut back on his consumption of carbs. If 273 is a rare occurance, activity will help get it down, stay hydrated and check again in a hour. Make sure he makes an appointment with a Dr. to see if he needs to be on a program. The Dr can do a simple test calle a Hemoglobin H1C to check his sugar levels over the past three months.
273 is not life threatening but it's something a Dr. needs to know about. Not ER material probably at this time but if he's getting woozy you will want to watch. Make sure he didn't just eat- If he has it will go up! That can be dangerous!

IF HE DOES NOT KNOW HE IS DIABETIC HE NEEDS TO SEE A DOCTOR ASAP! I am living proof it can go from bad to life threatening in a matter of weeks.
Take care.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

OK, your neighbor is diabetic, and he's as "full-blown" as any, even if he doesn't require insulin (of course, if that's the level of control he gets currently, he may require insulin, even if he's not getting it).
You don't need to go to the hospital for a glucose level of 273, though if he becomes symptomatic, then it may be indicated to go to the hospital regardless of the level. However, it sounds like his control may be poor in general.
It's important to work closely with your doctor about diabetes and make sure that you're on an effective medical regimen (that may or may not include injectable insulin) that fits in with your life. So it sounds like a trip to his doctor as soon as possible is warranted.
Bottom line, for that number alone, you don't need the hospital, but if he becomes confused, lethargic, sleepy, or anything that you think is an abnormal mental status with or without a high glucose, it may be time to go to the ER.

Answer 6

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RE:
Question about elevated sugar levels?
My neighbor is in his 60's and said he has a sugar level of 273 and is starting to feel "woozy". I know the normal range is 80 - 100 so it's definately elevated but is 273 anything to freak out about and go to the hospital or should he just sit down and rest. I remember hearing...

Answer 7

He should be monitoring his sugar. Has he seen a doctor? He should see a doctor and control his sugar intake through diet he may be borderline diabetic and diet could control the problem. He may need pills but probably not insulin.

Normal blood sugar levels are 80-120 but some say 70-110 these days.

Answer 8

Might not be critical. I am a type II diabetic, and my blood just tested at 329. It usually runs around there. I don't know why, I feel fine. I'm not insulin dependent, but I think I might turn out to be a type I. Maybe I need to go to the gym now anyway. Working out will wear that blood sugar down.

Answer 9

He can be full blown diabetic but not takem insulin. Type 1 diabetics take it because their bodys don't make enough. Type 2's don't take it. They have insulin but it doesn't dispose of sugar fast enough.

if it is 273 but he has just been eating or maybe drinking coke, don't worry, he just has to avoid sugar and fat and ideally sleep until his sugar level drops. If it is still as high after 8 hours with no food or drink (except water) then he should go to the doctor to get some tablets to reduce the sugar level.

Answer 10

Actually normal range is between 90 and 120! And no he shouldn't sit down and rest! He needs to take a walk to help lower it! He needs to keep it under control as much as possible, it would be better on his health in the long run! But it's good that he has neighbors that look after him!

Answer 11

Everyone is different. It depends on his sliding scale, if he has one. Ask him if he has a sliding scale, that should tell him whether he should contact his provider, take a pill, etc. 273 is definitely elevated, like you said, but at this point I would suggest just watching him closely for other signs and symptoms, but the NUMBER ONE THING--to change his diet. Tell him to not eat so many sugary or high-glycemic foods. That should help very quickly. If not--go to the doctor.