High blood sugar, formally known as hyperglycemia, occurs when blood sugar levels of diabetes patients become elevated, above a level that is considered healthy. Prolonged hyperglycemia that goes untreated can have serious implications such as diabetic coma. A diabetes patient's doctor should educate him on the various steps to take to lower high blood sugar.
Step 1
Use a glucometer to test blood sugar regularly. Activity levels, diet and medication can all affect blood sugar levels. Blood sugar should be tested according to a schedule established by the treating physician or healthcare professional. If a patient experiences hyperglycemia on a regular basis, their doctor will most likely suggest that they test their blood sugar daily. Some patients keep a blood sugar diary to help them keep track of when their blood sugar increases and what may have happened to contribute to the elevation.
Step 2
Engage in some physical activity. According to the Mayo Clinic, physical activity reduces the blood sugar levels in the body and helps patients to maintain a healthy weight. Weight control is an important part of preventing hyperglycemia. Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise each day or on most days is recommended to keep weight under control.
Step 3
Take a prescribed medication to lower blood sugar levels. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that there are a variety of medications available based on the type of treatment needed to get blood sugar levels under control. These medications include biguanides, sulfonylureas and thiazolidinediones. Biguanides, brand name Metformin, send signals to the liver telling it to produce less glucose and absorb more glucose into the muscle and fat cells. Sulfonylureas, prescribed as glimepiride, glyburide or tolazamide, are medications that are taken by mouth which cause the pancreas to generate more insulin. Thiazolidinediones including rosiglitazone help muscle and fat cells to absorb more glucose when insulin is present.
Step 4
Take an insulin supplement to re-balance blood sugar levels, states the Mayo Clinic. Some patients can benefit from actually taking an additional insulin supplement. This method of treatment is not effective for every diabetes patient and should not be instituted unless advised by a physician.
Things You'll Need
- Glucometer or glucose testing machine
- Prescribed diabetes medication
- Insulin
