Experiencing high blood sugar can be concerning, whether you have been diagnosed with diabetes or are simply noticing unusual symptoms. Understanding what causes elevated blood sugar levels and knowing how to respond effectively is crucial for maintaining your health. This guide explores the immediate actions you can take and the lifestyle adjustments that support healthy blood sugar management over time.
Understanding High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)
Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, occurs when there is too much glucose circulating in the blood. This happens when your body doesn't produce enough insulin or can't use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose from food get into your cells to be used for energy. Without enough effective insulin, glucose stays in the bloodstream, leading to elevated levels.
Common causes of hyperglycemia include eating too much food (especially carbohydrates), not getting enough exercise, stress, illness, missing diabetes medication doses, or taking certain other medications. For individuals with diabetes, monitoring blood sugar is a critical daily practice to detect hyperglycemia early and prevent complications.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Symptoms of high blood sugar can develop slowly over several hours or days. Being aware of these signs is important so you can take action promptly. Early symptoms might include increased thirst, frequent urination, and blurred vision. You might also feel more tired than usual.
If blood sugar remains high, more severe symptoms can develop. These can include unintentional weight loss, increased hunger, slow-healing sores, and recurring infections like yeast infections. In extreme cases, very high blood sugar can lead to a medical emergency called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS), requiring immediate medical attention.
Immediate Steps When Blood Sugar Is Too High
If you check your blood sugar and find it is higher than your target range, there are several steps you can take. First, check again to rule out any error with your meter or test strip. If the reading is confirmed high, especially if it's significantly elevated or you have symptoms, contact your healthcare provider for guidance. They can advise you on the appropriate course of action based on your individual health status, treatment plan, and the specific blood sugar reading.
Depending on your doctor's advice and your treatment plan, immediate steps might include taking correction insulin (if you use insulin) as prescribed. It's vital to use the correct dose based on your doctor's instructions. Do not guess or self-adjust insulin doses significantly without professional guidance. Drinking water or sugar-free fluids can help dilute the excess glucose in your blood and also helps prevent dehydration, which can be exacerbated by frequent urination.
Light physical activity, if approved by your doctor and if you don't have ketones in your urine (especially for Type 1 diabetes), can sometimes help lower blood sugar. However, vigorous exercise might sometimes raise blood sugar further, particularly if insulin levels are low. Always check for ketones if your blood sugar is very high, especially if you have Type 1 diabetes.
Checking for Ketones
When your body doesn't have enough insulin, it starts breaking down fat for energy, producing byproducts called ketones. High levels of ketones can be toxic and lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious condition. If your blood sugar is above a certain level (often 250 mg/dL or 13.9 mmol/L, check with your doctor for your threshold), you should check for ketones using urine strips or a blood ketone meter.
If ketones are present, especially in moderate to high amounts, do not exercise. Contact your healthcare provider immediately as this indicates a serious situation that may require medical intervention.
Long-Term Strategies for Managing Blood Sugar
Beyond immediate corrections, consistent lifestyle management is key to preventing high blood sugar and keeping levels within a healthy range. Diet plays a major role. Focusing on whole, unprocessed foods like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains can help. Limiting intake of sugary drinks, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats is also crucial. Learning about carbohydrate counting or understanding portion sizes can significantly impact blood sugar control.
Regular physical activity is another cornerstone of blood sugar management. Exercise helps your body use insulin more effectively and helps your muscles use glucose for energy, thus lowering blood sugar. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, plus muscle-strengthening activities a couple of times a week. Always consult your doctor before starting a new exercise program.
Medication adherence is essential for those prescribed oral medications or insulin. Taking medications as directed by your healthcare provider helps your body process glucose properly. If you have trouble remembering doses or managing side effects, discuss this with your doctor.
Monitoring and Regular Check-ups
Consistent blood sugar monitoring provides valuable information about how different foods, activities, and medications affect your levels. This helps you and your healthcare team make informed decisions about your treatment plan. Your doctor will recommend how often you should check your blood sugar based on your type of diabetes and treatment.
Regular appointments with your healthcare team – including your doctor, a certified diabetes educator, a registered dietitian, and potentially other specialists – are vital. These visits allow your team to track your progress, adjust medications if needed, screen for complications, and provide ongoing support and education.
When to Seek Medical Help
Knowing when to contact your doctor or seek emergency medical care is critical. Contact your healthcare provider if your blood sugar is consistently high despite taking corrective measures, if you have moderate to high ketones in your urine, or if you are experiencing symptoms of DKA (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fruity-smelling breath, deep or rapid breathing, confusion).
Seek immediate emergency medical care if you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, confusion, unconsciousness, or symptoms suggestive of severe dehydration or DKA/HHS. Prompt treatment can prevent serious health consequences.
Managing high blood sugar is an ongoing process that involves monitoring, lifestyle choices, and potentially medication. By understanding the causes and symptoms, taking appropriate immediate steps, and committing to long-term management strategies in collaboration with your healthcare team, you can work towards keeping your blood sugar levels in a healthy range and reduce the risk of complications.