High Blood Glucose: What It Means and How To Treat It

What is high blood glucose?

People who do not have diabetes typically have fasting plasma blood glucose levels that run under 126 mg/dl.

Your physician will define for you what your target blood glucose should be — identifying a blood glucose target that is as close to normal as possible that you can safely achieve given your overall medical health. In general, high blood glucose, also called 'hyperglycemia', is considered "high" when it is 160 mg/dl or above your individual blood glucose target. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider what he or she thinks is a safe target for you for blood glucose before and after meals.

If your blood glucose runs high for long periods of time, this can pose significant problems for you long-term — increased risk of complications, such as eye disease, kidney disease, heart attacks and strokes and more. High blood glucose can pose health problems in the short-term as well. Your treatment plan may need adjustment if the blood glucose stays over 180 mg/dl for 3 days in a row. It is important to aim to keep your blood glucose under control, and treat hyperglycemia when it occurs.
What are the symptoms of high blood glucose?

    * Increased thirst
    * Increased urination
    * Dry mouth or skin
    * Tiredness or fatigue
    * Blurred vision
    * More frequent infections
    * Slow healing cuts and sores
    * Unexplained weight loss

What causes high blood glucose?

    * Too much food
    * Too little exercise or physical activity
    * Skipped or not enough diabetes pills or insulin
    * Insulin that has spoiled after being exposed to extreme heat or freezing cold
    * Stress, illness, infection, injury or surgery
    * A blood glucose meter that is not reading accurately

What should you do for high blood glucose?

    * Be sure to drink plenty of water. It is recommended to drink a minimum of 8 glasses each day.
    * If your blood glucose is 250 or greater and you are on insulin, check your urine for ketones. If you have ketones, follow your sick day rules or call your healthcare team if you are not sure what to do.
    * Ask yourself what may have caused the high blood sugar, and take action to correct it. Ask your healthcare team if you are not sure what to do.
    * Try to determine if there is a pattern to your blood glucose levels.
          o Check your blood glucose before meals 3 days in a row.
          o If greater than your target level for 3 days, a change in medication may be needed.
          o Call your healthcare team or adjust your insulin dose following well day rules.
          o Call your healthcare team if you are currently using diabetes pills.