What to Do When Your Blood Sugar Level Is Too High (Hyperglycemia)

30 Aug 2025

What to Do When Your Blood Sugar Level Is Too High (Hyperglycemia) Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is a common concern for individuals with diabet...

What to Do When Your Blood Sugar Level Is Too High (Hyperglycemia)

Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is a common concern for individuals with diabetes. It occurs when there's too much glucose in the blood, either because the body doesn't have enough insulin, or the insulin isn't working properly. Understanding how to manage hyperglycemia is crucial for preventing short-term discomfort and long-term complications. This article provides a comprehensive guide on recognizing, managing, and preventing high blood sugar levels.

Why Managing Hyperglycemia Matters

Related reading: The Beginner S Guide To The Control Of Blood Glucose Levels

Sustained high blood sugar can lead to several serious health problems, including: * Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): A life-threatening condition resulting from a buildup of ketones (acids) in the blood. * Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS): Characterized by extremely high blood sugar and dehydration, common in type 2 diabetes. * Long-term Complications: Includes nerve damage (neuropathy), kidney damage (nephropathy), eye damage (retinopathy), and cardiovascular diseases.

| Complication | Description | | --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) | Buildup of ketones in the blood, leading to severe illness. | | Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS) | Extremely high blood sugar and severe dehydration. | | Neuropathy | Nerve damage causing pain, numbness, or weakness. | | Nephropathy | Kidney damage that can lead to kidney failure. | | Retinopathy | Eye damage that can result in blindness. | | Cardiovascular Diseases | Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. |

Recognizing the Symptoms of High Blood Sugar

Early detection of hyperglycemia can help you take timely action. Common symptoms include:

  1. Frequent Urination: Especially at night, as the body tries to eliminate excess sugar.
  2. Increased Thirst: Due to fluid loss from frequent urination.
  3. Blurred Vision: High blood sugar can affect the lens of the eye.
  4. Fatigue: Lack of energy because the body's cells aren't getting enough glucose.
  5. Headache: A common symptom associated with dehydration and metabolic imbalances.

How to Check Your Blood Sugar

Regular monitoring is vital for managing diabetes. Here’s how to check your blood sugar using a blood glucose meter:

  1. Gather Supplies: Blood glucose meter, test strips, lancet device, alcohol swab, and a logbook.
  2. Wash Hands: Clean your hands with soap and warm water, then dry thoroughly.
  3. Prepare the Lancing Device: Insert a new lancet into the lancing device.
  4. Insert Test Strip: Place a test strip into the glucose meter.
  5. Prick Your Finger: Use the lancing device on the side of your fingertip.
  6. Apply Blood: Gently squeeze a drop of blood and touch it to the test strip.
  7. Read Results: Wait for the meter to display your blood sugar level.
  8. Record Results: Write down the reading in your logbook or diabetes management app.

| Step | Action | | ---------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | | 1. Gather Supplies | Meter, strips, lancet, alcohol swab, logbook | | 2. Wash Hands | Clean hands thoroughly | | 3. Prepare Lancing Device | Insert new lancet | | 4. Insert Test Strip | Place strip into meter | | 5. Prick Finger | Use lancing device on fingertip | | 6. Apply Blood | Touch blood drop to strip | | 7. Read Results | Wait for meter to display reading | | 8. Record Results | Write down the reading |

Immediate Steps to Take When Blood Sugar Is High

When you detect high blood sugar, take immediate action to bring it back within the target range recommended by your healthcare provider.

  1. Check Your Blood Sugar More Frequently: Monitor your levels every 2-3 hours to see if they are stabilizing or rising.

  2. Administer Insulin (if prescribed):

    • Rapid-Acting Insulin: If you use insulin, take a correction dose based on your blood sugar level and insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio, as directed by your healthcare provider.
    • Insulin Pump Users: Consider giving a bolus correction dose through your pump.

  3. Drink Plenty of Water:

    • Hydration helps dilute the excess glucose in your blood and helps your kidneys flush out sugar through urine.

  4. Avoid Sugary Beverages:

    • Do not consume sugary drinks like soda, juice, or sweetened tea, as these will further elevate your blood sugar levels.

  5. Engage in Light Exercise (if appropriate):

    • Walking: A short walk can help lower blood sugar, but avoid strenuous exercise if your blood sugar is very high (above 250 mg/dL) and you have ketones, as exercise could increase blood sugar further in this situation.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Knowing when to seek professional medical help is essential. Go to the emergency room or call for immediate medical assistance if:

  • Your blood sugar remains above 300 mg/dL despite taking corrective actions.
  • You experience symptoms of DKA or HHS, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, confusion, or loss of consciousness.
  • You have difficulty breathing or severe dehydration.

Adjusting Your Diabetes Management Plan

Managing diabetes effectively requires ongoing adjustments and communication with your healthcare team.

  1. Review and Adjust Medication:

    • Consult Your Doctor: If you frequently experience high blood sugar, discuss your medication plan with your doctor. They may adjust your insulin dosage, timing, or recommend a different medication.

  2. Evaluate Your Diet:

    • Carbohydrate Counting: Work with a registered dietitian to learn how to count carbohydrates accurately and adjust your insulin dose accordingly.
    • Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes, especially of carbohydrate-rich foods.
    • Balanced Meals: Ensure your meals include a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to stabilize blood sugar levels.

  3. Modify Your Exercise Routine:

    • Regular Physical Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling.
    • Timing of Exercise: Monitor how exercise affects your blood sugar and adjust your insulin or meal plan accordingly. Check blood sugar before, during, and after exercise.

  4. Manage Stress:

    • Stress-Reduction Techniques: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or mindfulness to reduce stress hormones that can raise blood sugar levels.

Example Scenario: Dietary Adjustment

Related reading: How To Create A Diet Plan To Better Manage Blood Sugar

Suppose John has consistently high blood sugar readings after lunch. He consults with a dietitian who suggests reducing his carbohydrate intake by 15 grams and incorporating more fiber-rich vegetables and lean protein. John follows this advice and notices his post-lunch blood sugar levels improve significantly.

Preventing Future Episodes of Hyperglycemia

Prevention is key to maintaining stable blood sugar levels and minimizing the risk of complications.

Related reading: Hypoglycemia Explained The Dangers Of Low Blood Sugar And How To Act Fast

  1. Adhere to Your Diabetes Management Plan:

    • Consistency: Follow your prescribed medication schedule, dietary guidelines, and exercise routine consistently.

  2. Regular Blood Sugar Monitoring:

    • Frequent Checks: Check your blood sugar as directed by your healthcare provider, especially before meals, before bed, and after exercise.
    • Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): Consider using a CGM system, which continuously tracks your blood sugar levels and provides alerts when levels are too high or too low.

  3. Meal Planning:

    • Planned Meals: Plan your meals in advance, focusing on whole, unprocessed foods, and balanced macronutrient ratios.
    • Consistent Timing: Eat meals and snacks at consistent times each day to help regulate blood sugar levels.

  4. Education and Support:

    • Diabetes Education Classes: Participate in diabetes education programs to enhance your knowledge and skills for managing your condition effectively.
    • Support Groups: Join a diabetes support group to connect with others living with diabetes and share experiences, tips, and encouragement.

Practical Tips for Prevention

  • Keep a Detailed Food Journal: Record what you eat, when you eat, and how it affects your blood sugar levels.
  • Stay Active: Make physical activity a regular part of your daily routine.
  • Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to support overall health and blood sugar control.
  • Stay Informed: Stay up-to-date on the latest diabetes management strategies and technologies.

By following these guidelines and working closely with your healthcare team, you can effectively manage and prevent hyperglycemia, leading to better health outcomes and an improved quality of life.