What to Do When Blood Sugar Is High?

Recognizing High Blood Sugar

When people are in a hyperglycemic state or have a diagnosis of diabetes, there are some common symptoms they may experience. These symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, and headaches.

Of course, some people may experience no symptoms at all, so it is important for people to always follow the recommendations of their doctor when it comes to frequency of blood sugar testing.

Blood Sugar Thresholds:

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people should aim for the following blood sugar levels to help avoid unwanted side effects of hyperglycemia.

• Before a meal: 80-130 mg/dL
• 2 hours after the start of a meal: less than 180 mg/dL

It is imperative that people follow regular monitoring of their glucometers or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) in order to best monitor their treatment plan. Without knowing your numbers it would be difficult to track your treatment plan and goals.

Regular monitoring would allow you to know how certain foods, activities, or exercises affect your blood glucose levels.

Immediate Actions to Lower Blood Sugar

Rapid-Acting Insulin:

Doctors may prescribe rapid-acting insulin to help lower blood sugar levels and keep them within a normal range. Some examples of rapid-acting insulin include humalog, admelog, or novorapid.

Typically, rapid-acting insulin is taken by people with diabetes at mealtimes to help prevent a spike in blood sugars from meals.

It is important that rapid acting insulin is properly calculated and timed. If someone takes the insulin too early before a meal time, or in too large of a dose, they may develop hypoglycemia, when blood glucose levels fall too low.

Physical Activity:

Engaging in physical activity can help people manage blood sugar levels. Studies show that maintaining the longer duration of low-intensity PA throughout the day could be more beneficial for reducing inflammation and improving insulin resistance.

Therefore, low-intensity exercises such as walking for long periods may be more beneficial in improving insulin sensitivity than higher intensity exercises.

Fitness expert Lucy Wyndham-Read shares and performs some of the best exercises that lower blood sugar and energy levels.

Hydration:

Ensuring adequate hydration is also important for blood sugar management. When someone is dehydrated, the blood sugar levels appear more elevated because the sugar concentration is higher in the blood.

Adequate hydration can help ensure blood sugar is not too concentrated. Additionally, maintaining hydration can help the kidneys properly flush out extra glucose.

Dietary Adjustments:

High glycemic foods, such as sweets, candies, desserts, potatoes, or white rice create a spike in blood sugar levels. Choosing foods that are rich in fiber, or consumed in combination with proteins or healthy fats, can help to prevent blood sugar spikes.

Long-Term Strategies for Blood Sugar Management

Balanced Diet:

A healthy diet can help promote long-term blood sugar management. Consuming a diet rich in whole foods, fiber-rich choices, lean protein, and healthy fats can help to improve blood sugar levels and promote healthy weight loss.

• Fiber helps to slow the digestion of foods, which in turn helps to prevent spikes in blood sugar. Similarly, when consuming carbohydrates in combination with lean protein or healthy fats, digestion slows, which helps to slow the absorption of sugars from the digestive system into the bloodstream.
• When digestion is slowed and sugars enter the bloodstream more slowly, blood glucose levels are more stable and are able to be maintained within the normal range.
• Consuming a balanced diet can also help to maintain a healthy weight, which has been shown to reduce the risk of developing insulin resistance.

Regular Exercise:

Aerobic exercise helps manage blood sugar by increasing insulin sensitivity and allowing muscles to use glucose more effectively during and after activity. Resistance training builds muscle mass, which improves glucose uptake and storage, further supporting blood sugar control.

Building muscle mass can also help to optimize metabolism and manage weight.

Medication Adherence:

Taking prescriptions as prescribed is essential for effective blood sugar management, as these medications help regulate glucose levels and prevent complications. Skipping doses, taking incorrect amounts, or stopping medication without a doctor's guidance can lead to dangerous spikes or drops in blood sugar.

Consistent use ensures the medication works properly and supports overall diabetes control.

• Taking supplements may help support blood sugar management, especially when used alongside prescribed treatments and healthy lifestyle habits. Certain best blood sugar supplements, such as chromium, magnesium, or alpha-lipoic acid, have shown potential in improving insulin sensitivity or glucose metabolism.
• However, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement, as they can interact with medications or affect blood sugar levels unpredictably.
• Supplements such as WOWMD Blood Sugar Ultra Advanced Formula, contain micronutrients that may help to manage diabetes and improve blood sugar levels. People consuming this supplement generally find improvement in insulin sensitivity, improved metabolism and energy levels, and sustained blood sugar control.

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*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.

Stress Management:

Managing stress is important for blood sugar control because stress hormones like cortisol can raise blood glucose levels. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or regular physical activity can help lower stress and stabilize blood sugar.

Reducing stress also supports better sleep and healthier lifestyle choices, both of which contribute to more consistent glucose levels.

When to Seek Medical Attention

You should seek medical attention for hyperglycemia if your blood sugar stays elevated despite taking medication or making lifestyle changes. Warning signs may include frequent urination, extreme thirst, fatigue, and blurry vision.

Symptoms consistent with Diabetic Ketoacidosis or Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State would require immediate medical intervention.

If you experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fruity-smelling breath, or difficulty breathing, these may be signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) which is considered a medical emergency. In these cases, it is important to seek immediate medical care, as untreated DKA can be life-threatening.

Preventive Measures

Preventive measures for hyperglycemia include regular blood sugar monitoring to detect and address rising levels early. Consistently tracking glucose helps individuals recognize patterns and adjust their diet, activity, or medication as needed.

Ongoing diabetes education is also essential, as it empowers patients to make informed decisions about their care and understand the effects of food, exercise, stress, and medication on blood sugar.

Regular follow-up with healthcare providers ensures that treatment plans remain effective and are adjusted based on individual needs and goals. Together, these steps help reduce the risk of complications and support long-term blood sugar control.

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*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.

Many people who struggle with high blood sugar levels also find benefit in keeping food diaries. Keeping a log of all foods consumed can help to target what types and amounts of foods can cause elevated blood sugar levels. When you know what is elevating blood sugars, it can become easier to get them under control.