High glucose levels, also known as hyperglycemia, only affect people with diabetes. Causes of hyperglycemia include overeating, not exercising enough, taking too much insulin or illness. The Mayo Clinic website says that left untreated, high blood sugar levels may lead to serious complications such as heart, kidney or eye disease, nerve damage and coma. Watch out for early signs of elevated glucose levels such as increased thirst, frequent need to urinate, headache, fatigue and blurred vision. The longer your blood sugar levels are high, the more serious symptoms become, so bringing our glucose down quickly is important.
Step 1
Check your glucose level. If it is over 240, the Life Clinic website advises you to test your urine for ketones, which are produced when your body burns fat instead of glucose for energy. If there are ketones present, do not exercise to lower your glucose levels. If there are no ketones in your urine, exercising is the quickest way to lower glucose levels.
Step 2
Eat less food. The American Diabetes Association suggests eating smaller meals and eating foods low on the glycemic index to lower glucose levels. If you have chronic hyperglycemia, working with a dietitian to modify your diet may help.
Step 3
Increase your insulin dose or diabetes medication or change the timing of when you take your medication. Diet and exercise are the first things to change -- you must work with your doctor to make any changes in your medicine and medication schedule.
Tips and Warnings
- Stress and illness can also contribute to hyperglycemia. Meditation, breathing exercises, yoga and keeping a journal may all reduce stress.
- Left untreated, high glucose levels can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, when your body breaks down fat instead of glucose for energy. The ketones produced accumulate in your blood and urine and may eventually lead to a life-threatening coma, states the Mayo Clinic website.
