Blood Sugar Levels Explained

3. High Levels

Glucose tests are commonly part of routine lab work during physical exams and are often monitored closely in pregnant women to screen for gestational diabetes. High blood sugar, called hyperglycemia, can indicate diabetes, but it may also be temporary due to stress or illness. Type 2 diabetes is often linked to insulin resistance, obesity, and lifestyle factors, while type 1 diabetes occurs when the body produces little or no insulin. Fasting blood sugar between 100 and 125 mg/dL is considered prediabetes, which can often be improved through diet, exercise, and weight management. Levels of 126 mg/dL or higher on repeated tests may indicate diabetes. Chronic high blood sugar can damage organs over time, so maintaining healthy levels is important for overall health.