The early warning signs of high glucose include increased thirst and urination, blurred vision and fatigue. Left untreated, high glucose levels, also known as hyperglycemia, can lead to a potentially fatal diabetic coma. Serious health complications associated with chronic high blood sugar include kidney failure, blindness and nerve damage -- called diabetic neuropathy. Prevent high glucose levels by sticking to a schedule and being consistent with your exercise, eating and medication. High blood sugar levels happen to most diabetics occasionally, but if hyperglycemia happens often, you may need to adjust your diet or insulin dosages. Don't make changes to your diabetes treatment plan without consulting your doctor.
Step 1
Exercise to lower your glucose level, but only if your blood sugar is below 240 mg/dL. If your blood sugar is higher than 240 mg/dL, test your urine for ketones, produced by your body when it is burning fat, rather than sugar, for energy. If there are no ketones present, you may exercise. If there are ketones in your urine, do not exercise, as it may increase your glucose level.
Step 2
Take an extra dose of insulin. One unit of regular insulin will lower glucose levels between 30 and 50 mg/dL. Use regular, not fast-acting insulin. Subtract your target insulin number from your current high number, then divide by 40. If your target blood sugar level two hours after eating is 150 mg/dL but your glucose level is 230 mg/dL, take 2 additional units of insulin.
Step 3
Eat fewer calories, especially from carbohydrates. Only carbohydrates affect your glucose level. If you have chronic high blood sugar, you may need to meet with a dietitian and design a new eating plan. Or your doctor may suggest an increase in your diabetes medication.
Step 4
Check your blood sugar often and record your glucose readings. Practicing careful management will help you learn to associate the physical symptoms of hyperglycemia with your actual blood sugar level and learn what triggers your high blood sugar. Look for patterns of high and low blood sugars so that you can make lifestyle adjustments to stabilize your glucose levels.
Step 5
Reduce stress in your life. Stress, illness, injury and pain can raise your glucose levels. According to MayoClinic.com, the same hormones your body produces to combat stress also raise your blood sugar levels. If you are sick with a fever, vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours, contact your doctor.
Tips and Warnings
- Eating several small meals, rather than three large ones, may help stabilize your glucose levels.
- Insulin does expire -- always check the "use by" date of your diabetes medication. Expired insulin may not lower your glucose levels.
References
- McKinley Health Center, University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana: Hyperglycemia
- Diabetes Health: What Every Insulin User Should Know --- Using Math To Calculate Your Insulin Needs; Barry Ginsberg, M.D.; May 1996
- American Diabetes Association: Hyperglycemia
- MayoClinic.com; Diabetes - Stress, Illness and High Blood Sugar; Nancy Klobassa, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.
