High glucose levels in blood tests are often understood to greatly increase risk for diabetes. As well, in pregnant women, high glucose levels show a distinct increase for developing the dangerous condition pre-eclampsia, which can harm both mother and unborn child. This has been well documented by the medical community, and those who have high glucose levels may undergo dietary modifications or take medication to control these levels. Newer medical research has shown additional risks to the person with high glucose levels.

A 2002 study published in the journal Neurology showed that patients with high glucose levels who had suffered a stroke were at increased risk for suffering another stroke if high glucose levels were not controlled. Death rates after an initial stroke were significantly higher in those patients with high glucose levels.

In the 2002 study, analysis of a group of over 500 patients showed that 40% of patients suffering their first stroke had high glucose levels. Additional mortality in this group was increased. As well, patients with high glucose levels were more likely to have complications after a stroke, and were likely to have much longer hospital stays following a stroke. The study indicates that reducing high glucose levels may also reduce chance of stroke.

A study published in 2005, in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), found those with high glucose levels to be at increased risk for developing cancer and dying from cancer. A higher death rate for all cancers, approximately 29%, was reported in these patients. As well increased risk of cancer of the pancreas, esophagus, liver, cervix, and colon were shown.

The University of California-San Francisco evaluated women with high glucose levels in regards to risk for development of dementia or mental impairment with aging. Their study, published in 2006, showed a distinct correlation between high glucose levels and dementia in women. In fact, their results suggest that women with high glucose levels increase their chances of developing dementia by an astounding 40%.

These studies show that regular analysis of blood sugar, and control of high blood sugar can significantly help decrease chances of several very serious conditions. They certainly indicate that people, particularly over the age of 40, should have yearly blood glucose tests to rule out diabetes, and the development of greater risk factors for stroke, cancer and cognitive impairment.