Ram Kapoor's blood sugar crossed 600: Why doctors say this is a life-threatening emergency

Ram Kapoor has revealed that his blood sugar levels once crossed 600 mg/dL while he was battling obesity and depression. Doctors explain why such dangerously high sugar levels can trigger a medical emergency and what warning signs should never be ignored.Ram Kapoor in a stoll from Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa. Actor Ram Kapoor has opened up about one of the darkest phases of his life, revealing that his blood sugar levels had climbed beyond 600 mg/dL while he was working long hours during the peak of his television career. Speaking on Lock Upp Season 2, Kapoor recalled that doctors had warned him he could die within six months if his health did not improve. He said he was taking insulin three times a day and continued shooting for nearly 14 hours daily despite his condition."My blood sugar was 400, 500, even over 600," Kapoor said, adding that doctors feared he could suffer a diabetic stroke.While many people may dismiss high blood sugar as just another diabetes complication, doctors say a reading of 600 mg/dL is far more serious. It is often a medical emergency that requires immediate hospital treatment because it can affect the brain, kidneys, heart, and other vital organs within hours.According to Dr. Ksheetij Tarachand Kothari, Founder, Dr. Kothari's Digestive and Liver Care, blood sugar at this level is not simply a "high reading." It signals that the body is struggling to cope and could quickly progress to a life-threatening condition if treatment is delayed.WHY BLOOD SUGAR OF 600 MG/DL IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY A healthy fasting blood sugar level usually ranges between 70 and 100 mg/dL. When blood sugar reaches 600 mg/dL, it is nearly six to eight times higher than normal."The danger is not just the number itself. The body starts losing massive amounts of water through urine because excess glucose pulls water out with it. This leads to severe dehydration and serious complications," says Dr. Kothari. Patients can lose up to 8 to 10 litres of body fluid, causing:Severe dehydrationA sharp drop in blood pressureReduced blood flow to the kidneys leading to acute kidney injuryThickening of the blood, increasing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and blood clotsDangerous electrolyte imbalance affecting potassium, sodium, and phosphate levelsConfusion, seizures, and even comaTWO LIFE THREATENING DIABETES EMERGENCIESDoctors say extremely high blood sugar can lead to two serious emergencies.The first is Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), which is more common in people with Type 1 diabetes. Blood sugar usually ranges between 250 and 600 mg/dL and is accompanied by ketones and acid build up in the blood.The second is Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State (HHS), which is more commonly seen in people with Type 2 diabetes. Blood sugar levels often exceed 600 mg/dL and may even reach 800 to 1,000 mg/dL."HHS develops slowly over several days, so many patients do not realise how sick they have become. It is actually more dangerous than DKA because patients are often severely dehydrated by the time they reach the hospital," explains Dr. Kothari.Doctors estimate that HHS carries a mortality rate of around 10 to 20 percent, making early treatment extremely important.MANY PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW THEY HAVE DIABETESOne of the biggest concerns, especially in India, is that many people discover they have diabetes only after landing in the emergency room."A blood sugar reading of 600 mg/dL is sometimes the first sign that a person has diabetes. The disease can remain silent for years before reaching this stage," says Dr. Kothari.Several conditions can trigger a sudden rise in blood sugar, including:Urinary tract infectionPneumoniaSepsisDiabetic foot infectionMissing or stopping insulinSteroid medicinesHeart attackStrokePancreatitisEARLY WARNING SIGNS PEOPLE OFTEN IGNOREHigh blood sugar usually rises gradually, allowing the body to adapt. Because of this, many people continue with their daily routine without realising they are becoming critically ill.Dr. Kothari says the earliest symptoms include:Extreme thirstFrequent urination, especially at nightDry mouthDry skinBlurred visionUnexplained weight lossConstant tiredness and weakness"Many people blame these symptoms on heat, stress, or overwork. Unfortunately, delaying treatment can allow blood sugar to reach dangerous levels," he says.ONE WARNING SIGN THAT CAN BE MISLEADINGDoctors also warn about a symptom that often confuses patients."As dehydration worsens, urine output actually begins to decrease. Many people think this means they are improving, but it is actually a sign that the body is running out of fluids," explains Dr. Kothari.WHEN SHOULD YOU GO TO THE HOSPITAL?Doctors advise seeking emergency medical care immediately if high blood sugar is accompanied by:Vomiting or inability to drink fluidsSevere stomach painRapid, deep breathingFruity smelling breathDrowsinessConfusionSlurred speechSeizuresWeakness on one side of the bodyChest painBreathlessnessFever with high blood sugarDr. Kothari says anyone with blood sugar that stays above 300 mg/dL should contact their doctor immediately. If blood sugar is above 250 mg/dL along with ketones, or if there is vomiting or confusion, hospital treatment should not be delayed.NEVER STOP INSULIN DURING ILLNESSOne of the biggest mistakes people make is stopping insulin because they are unable to eat."This is extremely dangerous. The body still needs insulin during illness. Stopping it can rapidly trigger diabetic ketoacidosis," warns Dr. Kothari.He recommends that every person with diabetes have a written sick day plan prepared by their doctor, explaining how to adjust medicines during illness and when to seek medical care.HOW TO PREVENT BLOOD SUGAR FROM REACHING DANGEROUS LEVELSDr. Kothari says most diabetes emergencies can be prevented with proper monitoring and treatment.MONITOR BLOOD SUGAR REGULARLYCheck blood sugar at home as advised.Consider a continuous glucose monitor if appropriate.Get an HbA1c test every three months. For many adults, the target is below 7 percent, although this varies depending on age and other health conditions.People taking insulin or SGLT2 inhibitors should keep ketone testing strips at home.TAKE MEDICINES REGULARLYNever stop insulin without medical advice.Speak to your doctor before adjusting diabetes medicines during illness or while taking steroids.Follow a personalised sick day plan.Doctors also caution that SGLT2 inhibitor medicines can sometimes cause ketoacidosis even when blood sugar is not extremely high, making it important to recognise symptoms early.FOLLOW A HEALTHY LIFESTYLEDr. Kothari recommends:Controlling portion sizes of rice, wheat, and sugary foodsEating more fibre, whole grains, and proteinExercising for at least 150 minutes every weekDoing strength training twice a weekLosing 5 to 10 per cent of body weight if overweightGetting adequate sleep and managing stressLimiting alcohol intakePREVENT INFECTIONSBecause infections are one of the most common triggers for diabetes emergencies, doctors also recommend staying up to date with influenza, pneumococcal, and COVID vaccinations. Daily foot checks are equally important for people with diabetes, as untreated foot infections can rapidly worsen blood sugar control.Ram Kapoor's experience serves as a reminder that dangerously high blood sugar is not something to ignore. Although he continued working despite readings above 600 mg/dL, doctors stress that such levels require immediate medical attention. Recognising the warning signs early and seeking timely treatment can help prevent life-threatening complications and save lives.- EndsPublished By: Smarica PantPublished On: Aug 7, 2026 07:30 IST