Treatments for hyperglycemia, or high sugar levels in the blood, can include medication or lifestyle changes. A normal fasting blood sugar level can range between 70 to 110 mg/dl. Consistently high blood sugar level can be a serious condition if left untreated. A person with diabetes can develop hyperglycemia when he does not take enough insulin, has a cold, eats certain foods or is under stress. Symptoms of high sugar levels in the blood include frequent urination and severe thirst. If you suspect that you have consistently high blood sugar, consult with a physician.
Exercise
High sugar levels in the blood can be decreased by implementing and maintaining a regular exercise routine. But exercise is not an option for everyone. According to the American Diabetes Organization, an individual who has ketones in his urine should avoid exercise. Ketones are the by-product of certain acids being released into the blood. Ketone levels increase when blood glucose levels are especially high. The ADO recommends that if blood glucose levels are over 240 mg/dl, an individual should check her urine for the presence of ketones. This is done with a urine stick readily available at pharmacies.
Diet
Eating smaller meals and avoiding sugary snacks and drinks can help lower high blood sugar. In the September 2010 issue of "Progress in Retinal and Eye Research," Dr. Chung-Jung Chiu writes that eating low glycemic-index foods helps maintain normal blood glucose levels. The glycemic index, or GI, ranks carbohydrates according to how much they alter blood glucose and insulin levels in the body.
Medication
Prescription medication can successfully lower high sugar levels in the blood. According to the Mayo Clinic, diabetics may need to take an extra dose of insulin to correct the problem. Prior to doing so, check with your physician to determine proper insulin dosing when instances of high blood sugar occur. A physician may choose to prescribe additional medication to help lower blood sugar, including acarbose, miglitol, sitagliptin or pioglitazone.
References
- ADO: Hyperglycemia
- Mayo Clinic: Hyperglycemia in Diabetes
- "Progress in Retinal and Eye Research"; Dietary Hyperglycemia, Glycemic Index and Metabolic Retinal Diseases; Chung-Jung Chiu, DDS, PhD; September 2010
