My cousin recently went to a doctor. My cousin claims that he had a glucose level of 626. He is a little shorter than I, he is 5'6".?

When I was diagnosed with diabetes, I was over 750 mg/dl but it isn't the high glucose levels that require hospitalization but the conditions such as Diabetic Ketoacidosis ( rare with type 2 ) and Hypersmolar Hyperglycemic Non-Ketotic Syndrome ( HHNS, rare with type 1 ) which both involve coma and death which require hospitalization. High glucose itself only has urination and dehydration as short term consequences but causes cumulative damage to the kidneys, eyes and nerves hence it has serious long term consequences. If he is an insulin dependent diabetic then whenever his blood glucose is over 250 mg/dl, he would be advised to stay hydrated, try to stay on his regular meals and insulin, and monitor his glucose, ketones and temperature every four hours as part of his Diabetic Sick Day Plan. This is because hospitalization is only needed if there are indications of ketoacidosis or HHNS not if it's just high glucose levels.

However, a glucose levels in the 600 mg/dl or higher is an indication that HHNS could be setting in, a type 1 diabetic may still wait it out on the advice of their Doctor but it would be a good idea to at least call a medical professional regardless of being type 1 or 2.

Thanks for not giving us any information on the treatment your cousin is using. It makes it even more difficult to give an accurate response.

If your cousin is using insulin injections, his doctor MAY have thought that just an increase in the dose would be sufficient to lower his blood sugar (glucose) level.

He SHOULD, however, have been admitted to hospital as when blood sugar levels are so high diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar non-ketotic syndrome (HHNS) can very quickly set in. As John W correctly states, this can very quickly lead to a life-threatening situation which would require hospitalization to put right.

You nailed it.

I'd call "BS" on his story.,