Normal blood glucose levels are usually considered anything lower than 100 milligrams per deciliter--100mg/dL--when fasting or below 140mg/dL on a random test using a glucose meter, according to the Cleveland Clinic. If you experience blood sugar levels above normal on a blood test, you will be diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes, because in non-diabetic people, blood glucose levels are kept in check by insulin produced by the pancreas. If you have diabetes, you must watch your blood sugar levels and try to keep them within a normal level. If you detect high blood sugar, also called hyperglycemia, determine the cause and correct it to prevent permanent damage.
Insufficient Insulin or Diabetes Medication
Type 1 diabetics, and some Type 2 diabetics, take doses of insulin or medication prescribed by a doctor. If a diabetic on insulin forgets to take a dose or takes too small of a dose, high blood sugar may result. Other possibilities may include expired insulin or medication that no longer delivers the correct amount to control blood glucose. In some cases, physiological changes necessitate a change in medication or dosage.
Poor Dietary Habits
If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes and eat a large meal or one high in sugar and fail to adjust your medicine or insulin dose, you may get hyperglycemia. Develop a regular meal plan with a doctor or dietitian to help prevent this.
Poor Exercise Habits
Exercise is an important part of controlling blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes and don't exercise, it can lead to a rise in blood sugar. If you have concerns about hyperglycemia, participate in regular exercise to lower the incidence of high blood sugar.
Illness and Stress
According to MayoClinic.com, the hormones released by the body when under stress and when ill also affect the management of blood sugar by the body. If you experience stress or illness, carefully monitor blood sugar levels and keep in contact with a doctor to determine whether dosages of insulin or medication need to be adjusted during this time. Because some medications for other conditions may also affect blood sugar levels, make the doctor aware of all medicines you're taking.
Dawn Phenomenon and Somogyi Effect
According to the Cleveland Clinic, some people experience a rise in blood sugar in the morning. This may have one of two causes. In the dawn phenomenon, the normal release of glucose during the 3 a.m. to 8 a.m. period interacts with a dissipating dose of long-acting bedtime insulin to cause a rapid rise in blood sugar just before waking. In the Somogyi effect, blood glucose rises in response to a nighttime drop in blood sugar, causing an overreaction that leads to morning hyperglycemia.
