How to Manage High Blood Sugar
High blood sugar is known medically as hyperglycaemia and occurs commonly in people with diabetes. It’s important to learn how to manage high blood sugar levels as it can have serious implications if left untreated over a long period of time, causing damage to the kidneys, nerves and eyes. Let’s take a look at some of the symptoms of high blood sugar and what you can do to manage it.
Symptoms of High Blood Sugar
Symptoms of hyperglycaemia include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dry mouth and fruity-smelling breath
- Increased thirst
- Needing to go to the toilet a lot
- Blurred vision
- Tiredness
- Trouble breathing
It’s important to note that you can experience symptoms other than these or even have no symptoms at all until you’ve had high blood sugar for a prolonged period of time.
Causes of High Blood Sugar Levels
There are many causes of high blood sugar levels; these can include:
- Missing a dose or taking an incorrect dose of your diabetes medication
- Being unwell or having an infection
- Feeling stressed
- Exercising less frequently than usual
- Overeating, especially carbohydrates
How to Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels
If you want to monitor your blood sugar levels yourself, an at-home testing kit is very useful. These work by pricking your finger and applying a drop of blood to a test strip before inserting it into the monitor for reading. Remember to keep track of your results, so you learn what’s normal for you.
Alternatively, you can ask your doctor to check your blood sugar levels for you.
How to Manage High Blood Sugar Levels
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, then your doctor will advise you on the best way to manage your blood sugar levels. This may include:
- Drinking more water to remove the excess sugar from your body and decrease the chances of dehydration.
- Changing your diet to avoid certain foods that may cause your blood sugar levels to spike.
- Exercising more often.
- Adjusting your medication if necessary, this could include the amount you’re taking, the time you take it, or the type of medication you take.
Take Precautions
If you have diabetes and find it difficult to manage your blood sugar levels, then it’s important to take precautions to prevent blood sugar spikes.
These precautions can include sticking to a regular exercise plan, setting a goal for how much you need to drink per day, understanding the nutritional makeup of the food you’re consuming and testing your blood sugar levels regularly.
Remember to let your doctor know if your blood sugar level readings are repeatedly higher than normal.