What to do when blood sugar is high? Hyperglycemia is a condition characterized by high blood sugar. It is a significant concern and can negatively affect type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients. If it occurs frequently, it can lead to nerve damage, impairment of blood vessels, and malfunctioning of specific body organs.
What are the early symptoms of hyperglycemia? The first indications of this condition include:
- Headaches
- Thirst
- Concentration problems
- Blurry vision
- Excessive urination
- Weakness
- Sudden weight loss
- Blood sugar levels exceeding 180 mg/dl
It is also important to note that frequent hyperglycemia in type 1 diabetes patients can lead to the development of ketoacidosis. It refers to the buildup of acids in the blood. On the other hand, repeated episodes of high blood sugar can also be fatal. Therefore, knowing about all preventive measures is vital to keep your overall health in check.
What to do when blood sugar is high?
It is possible to bring back high blood sugar into a healthy range. There are several steps you can follow, such as:
- Test your blood sugar. Early symptoms of hyperglycemia are noticeable. These symptoms are almost similar to diabetes attacks. If you feel any of the hyperglycemic symptoms listed above, test your blood sugar at least once with the help of a blood glucose meter. If it’s higher than your target range, take immediate action with a doctor’s consultation.
- Drink more water. One complication of hyperglycemia is dehydration. To prevent this, you must drink more water to rehydrate. Additionally, drinking water flushes out excess sugar present in the bloodstream. This action can lower blood sugar levels naturally.
- Exercise. Besides losing weight, exercising can stimulate insulin production and optimize its use. However, it would help if you had a doctor’s advice to determine your best exercise routine.
- Follow your prescription. Always remember to take your medications as per the doctor’s prescription. Follow the instructions from your healthcare professional to ensure better diabetes management. If your current medication is not helping you, you can opt for alternate medicines under medical supervision.
- Change your diet. It includes limiting your carbohydrate intake and eating more protein and fibre-rich foods. You must also avoid sugary foods and beverages. Adjust your diet based on your body’s needs.
- Manage stress. Stress can trigger high blood sugar levels. When the body is under tension, it releases stress hormones that can affect and cause blood sugar spikes. You can manage stress by meditating and getting enough rest. You can also do yoga, which calms your mind and soul.
- Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation contributes to a lot of health conditions, and one of them is hyperglycemia. You increase the risk of insulin resistance and blood sugar spikes without enough sleep. Doctors recommend getting 7 – 8 hours of sleep daily to help your body with adequate rest and prevent unwanted health issues.
Should your blood sugar remain high despite following these measures, seek immediate medical attention. If not addressed at once, it can lead to serious health complications.
