IOH Diabetes - treatment for hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)

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IOH Diabetes - treatment for hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
Page Updated 03/09/2006
Islets of Hope

Diabetes Information

Treatment for Hyperglycemia

The first and most important step to avoiding hyperglycemia is simple: Know your target range for blood glucose as set for you specifically by your doctor and follow the care plan he/she set up for you when you are experiencing hyperglycemia. Second, when your blood glucose is above range for 2 or 3 readings in a row call your doctor for additional instructions.

Instructions your doctor may give for when your blood glucose is high include:

* Take an insulin correction bolus as indicated by your doctor
* Test blood glucose frequently to make sure levels are coming down
* Whenever your blood glucose is over 240 mg/dL check urine for ketones
* Always call your doctor when ketones are in the moderate to heavy range.
* Limit physical activity and avoid become overheated or dehydrated
* Drink plenty of water or other fluids that do not contain sugar
* High blood sugar can trigger an increase in appetite. Avoid eating carbohydrates and fat until your blood glucose returns to a safe range. Nibble sugar-free Jello, fat-free broth, or have a small protein-only snack.

When can I treat hyperglycemia without calling my doctor?

When your blood glucose is not in range but you are not spilling moderate to heavy ketones in your urine, it is generally safe to follow instructions in your diabetes care plan provided by your doctor. The exception might be if you were also sick, dehydrated, or under some significant stress.

Treating Morning Hyperglycemia

See: Dawn Effect & Somogyi Effect.

If your morning glucose level is high, talk with your doctor to help determine the cause. You may need an adjustment of your insulin in the evening.

If you take pills, you might need another dose or an increase in the dose before bedtime. If you use insulin, you might need a little bit more of intermediate or long acting insulin before bed and/or some more for breakfast. If you use a pump, then you may need to adjust your basal rates to prevent the blood glucose from rising during the night.

To help determine the cause of high morning glucose test your levels around 3 a.m. If you are low, it could indicate the Somogyi Effect (or, rebound effect). If you are in target most of the night but high in the morning, it is more likely the Dawn Effect. Having a blood glucose reading at 3 a.m. is important information for your doctor to have.

You should eat breakfast every morning, about the same time of day when possible whether you are taking shots or on an insulin pump. The increase in blood glucose after you eat your breakfast will often turn off the release of glucose from liver or muscles, since your body senses the fuel is coming through food.

If your morning fasting sugar is too high, you can still eat protein and fewer carbs. The key is to try and eat something to shut off the hormones that cause hyperglycemia but not to overload your system with too many carbohydrates or fat.

Finally, record all your glucose readings, insulin doses, food intake, and other important things that affect blood glucose levels like stress, medication, exercise, and sick days. This information will help your diabetes care team determine what adjustments need to be made to help you get better glucose control.

Islets of Hope
c/o iPump, Inc.
1425 W. Foothill Blvd.
Suite 235
Upland, CA 91786

For and of the following please contact: Lahle@IsletsofHope.com