What Should I Do If My Blood Sugar Glucose Levels Are High or Low?

Blood sugar, also known as glucose, plays a critical role in providing energy to your body. Maintaining optimal glucose levels is essential for overall health, particularly for individuals with diabetes or prediabetes. In this comprehensive guide, we'll discuss what to do when your blood glucose levels are high or low, the symptoms to watch for, and the best ways to manage and monitor your blood sugar effectively.

Symptoms of High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)

High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) occurs when glucose builds up in your bloodstream due to insufficient insulin or insulin resistance. Early symptom recognition can enable you to respond quickly.

Common Symptoms of High Blood Sugar:

Frequent Urination

Urination increases as a result of your kidneys working harder to eliminate extra glucose.

Increased Thirst

Frequent urination depletes fluids, causing persistent thirst.

Fatigue

Your body cannot use glucose for energy if you don't have enough insulin, which leaves you feeling worn out.

Blurred Vision

Your vision may suffer if your eye's lens swells due to high blood sugar levels.

Headaches

Persistent high blood sugar can lead to dehydration, triggering headaches.

Slow-Healing Wounds

High glucose impairs circulation and immune function, delaying wound healing.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Without insulin, your body may start breaking down fat and muscle for energy, leading to weight loss.

Emergency Symptoms (Seek Immediate Medical Help):

Shortness of breath

Confusion or disorientation

Fruity-smelling breath (a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis)

Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) occurs when glucose levels drop below normal, often below 70 mg/dL. It's crucial to address hypoglycemia promptly to prevent severe complications.

Common Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar:

Shakiness or Trembling

A sudden drop in glucose can make you feel shaky or jittery.

Sweating

Low glucose triggers a release of adrenaline, causing sweating.

Hunger

Your brain signals you to eat to replenish glucose levels.

Dizziness or Lightheadedness

Low glucose can impair your brain's function, leading to dizziness.

Confusion or Difficulty Concentrating

Your brain needs glucose to think clearly.

Pale Skin

A sudden drop in blood sugar may cause paleness.

Rapid Heartbeat

Hypoglycemia activates the body's stress response, increasing your heart rate.

Severe Symptoms (Emergency Intervention Required):

Loss of consciousness

Seizures

Difficulty speaking or slurred speech

How Is Blood Sugar Glucose Measured?

Regular monitoring of blood sugar is essential for detecting abnormalities and managing diabetes. Here are the most common methods:

1. Self-Monitoring with a Glucometer

A glucometer is a portable device that measures blood glucose levels using a small drop of blood, typically taken from your fingertip.

Steps to Measure:

Wash your hands and dry them thoroughly.

Insert a test strip into the glucometer.

To obtain a drop of blood, puncture your fingertip with a lancet.

2. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

Your blood sugar levels are continuously measured by a CGM device using a sensor beneath your skin. It provides real-time data and alerts for high or low readings.

Ideal For: People with type 1 diabetes or those requiring frequent monitoring.

3. HbA1c Test

Your average blood glucose levels over the previous two to three months are measured by this blood test.

Target Range: Below 5.7% for non-diabetics, and 7% or lower for diabetics.

4. Urine Tests

While not as accurate as blood tests, urine tests can detect high glucose levels and ketones in diabetic patients.

How Should I Respond to Elevated Blood Sugar?

Managing high blood sugar requires prompt action to prevent complications like diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome.

Immediate Steps for High Blood Sugar:

Hydrate

To aid in the removal of extra sugar from your bloodstream through urination, drink lots of water.

Take Insulin

If you're on insulin therapy, follow your doctor's instructions for a corrective dose.

Exercise (If Safe)

Walking and other little physical activity can help reduce blood sugar. 

If you have ketones in your urine, stay away from activity.

Monitor Your Levels

Check your blood glucose every 1–2 hours to track changes.

Adjust Your Diet

Avoid sugary or carbohydrate-heavy foods and opt for protein-rich snacks.

What Should I Do If My Blood Sugar Levels Are Low?

Low blood sugar can escalate quickly, so immediate action is crucial.

Immediate Steps for Low Blood Sugar:

Consume Fast-Acting Carbohydrates

Examples:

4–6 ounces of juice or regular soda

1 tablespoon of honey or sugar

Glucose tablets or gel

Wait 15 minutes and recheck your glucose level. If still low, repeat.

Eat a Balanced Snack

Once stabilized, consume a snack with protein and complex carbohydrates (e.g., peanut butter and crackers).

Avoid Over-Treatment

Consuming excessive sugar can cause a rebound spike in blood sugar.

Seek Help

If you're unable to raise your blood sugar or experience severe symptoms, call emergency services.

How Can I Prevent Low Blood Sugar?

Preventing hypoglycemia is especially important for individuals on insulin or diabetes medications.

Tips to Prevent Low Blood Sugar:

Follow a Consistent Meal Plan

Eat regular meals and snacks to maintain steady glucose levels.

Monitor Medications

Take insulin and oral medications as prescribed. Avoid skipping doses.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

Blood sugar can be lowered by alcohol, particularly when consumed empty-handed.

Be Prepared

Carry glucose tablets, snacks, or juice in case of an emergency.

Communicate with Your Doctor

Adjust medication doses if you experience frequent lows.

The Best Way to Monitor Blood Sugar Levels

Monitoring your blood glucose effectively requires a personalized approach. The right method depends on your lifestyle, medical history, and diabetes type.

Tools for Monitoring Blood Sugar:

Glucometers

Best for daily self-checks, especially before meals and at bedtime.

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)

gives a thorough overview of the variations in blood sugar levels throughout the day.

HbA1c Tests

Essential for long-term management and evaluating treatment effectiveness.

Tips for Effective Monitoring:

Track Patterns: Log your readings to identify patterns and triggers.

Set Alerts: Use CGM devices with alarms for dangerous highs or lows.

Consult Your Doctor: Share your readings to adjust treatment plans as needed.

Maintaining optimal blood glucose levels is crucial for overall health and diabetes management. By understanding the symptoms of high and low blood sugar, knowing how to respond, and monitoring regularly, you can reduce the risk of complications. Remember, regular communication with your healthcare provider is essential to tailor a management plan that works best for you.

Stay proactive about your health and take control of your blood sugar levels today!

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

If you are experiencing severe symptoms or a medical emergency, contact your doctor or emergency services immediately. Blood sugar management should always be guided by a healthcare professional based on your individual needs and medical history.