In type 2 diabetes, the body finds it difficult to keep glucose levels normal. When blood sugar remains high for long periods, it can quietly harm the body even before any clear signs show up. A question on Quora asked at what blood sugar levels damage begins in type 2 diabetes. Dr Pranav Ghody, a consultant endocrinologist and diabetologist at Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai Central, explained that damage starts when blood sugar stays above normal ranges consistently. Fasting glucose above 100 mg/dL and post-meal readings above 140 mg/dL are early warning signals. The risk of serious organ and tissue damage increases significantly when fasting glucose goes beyond 126 mg/dL or when HbA1c levels cross 6.5 per cent, which is the diagnostic threshold for diabetes. Regular monitoring and early intervention are crucial to prevent long-term complications.
Understanding Blood Sugar Damage and Prevention
High blood sugar gradually harms multiple organs in the body. It damages small blood vessels, causing retinopathy affecting the eyes, nephropathy affecting the kidneys, and neuropathy affecting the nerves. Large blood vessels can also be affected, raising the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease. This damage often develops silently over many years, making regular monitoring essential even when feeling healthy. Occasional blood sugar spikes after a large meal or stress typically do not cause lasting harm. However, persistent high levels are dangerous. Keeping blood sugar within target ranges through balanced diet, regular exercise, medications, and regular HbA1c tests every three to six months helps prevent or slow organ damage effectively.
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