Preventing High Blood Sugar Emergencies When You Have Diabetes

Blood sugar control is a key part of any diabetes treatment plan. Your doctor gave you a blood sugar target and your mission is to stay in that range. But, despite your best efforts, there are times when blood sugar rises and you need to take action.

Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, can develop if you miss taking your medication, eat a big meal or have an infection. Very high blood sugar levels can cause serious - sometimes life-threatening - problems. The good news is that you can usually take steps to get back in control and prevent a high blood sugar emergency.

What is a high blood sugar emergency?
High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) develops when your body doesn't have enough insulin or isn't using it correctly. This may happen when you:

• Eat more than usual
• Exercise less than usual
• Get sick
• Are under stress
• Miss your medications

If you don't take steps to manage high blood sugar promptly, you may develop a life-threatening condition called ketoacidosis, or diabetic coma. It occurs when your body breaks down fats to substitute for the missing insulin. This causes poisonous waste products, called ketones, to build up in your blood. You are more likely to have ketoacidosis if you have type 1 diabetes, but it can also occur in type 2 diabetes.

If you have type 2 diabetes and your blood sugar runs consistently high, you may be at risk for a condition called a hyperosmolar state, which can cause dehydration. Severe dehydration can lead to seizures and death. Call your doctor right away if your blood sugar readings are running higher than your target.

Watch for warning signs
Learning to recognize warning signs of increased blood sugar may help you avoid an emergency. These signs may vary from time to time and be different (or absent) in different people.

• Warning signs of hyperglycemia
• High blood sugar levels
• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst
• Dry skin or dry mouth
• Blurry vision
• Infections
• Slow healing of cuts
• Weight loss
• Warning signs of ketoacidosis
  If you are developing ketoacidosis, warning signs may include:
• Trouble breathing
• Nausea and vomiting
• A fruity smell on your breath
• Rapid heartbeat
• A tender abdomen
• Confused thinking

Call 9-1-1 and get immediate medical help if you have any of the symptoms of ketoacidosis.

Be prepared!
To help prevent a high blood sugar emergency, you need to plan ahead. Wear a medical alert bracelet and always have the following on hand:

• A blood sugar (glucose) meter
• Ketone strips (to test your urine for ketones if your blood sugar is 240 mg/dL or above, or if you feel sick)

Tips to help prevent a hyperglycemia emergency:

• Ask your doctor what your ideal blood sugar range should be. Try to stay in this range.
• Exercise (unless your blood sugar is above 240 mg/dL). Talk to your doctor before you start an exercise program.
• Talk to a dietitian to determine how much and what kinds of food you should eat.
• Get to your ideal weight, and maintain it.
• If your blood sugar stays high, ask your doctor or other member of your diabetes treatment team for a change in the type, amount or timing of your medication.
• Work with your doctor to make a plan for your medications and diet when you're sick.
• Practice relaxation techniques to manage stress in your life, such as deep breathing, yoga or meditation.
• Recognize infections or illnesses early so that they can be treated promptly.

The bottom line for preventing hyperglycemia - and other potential complications from diabetes - is to do all you can to keep your blood sugar under good control.

Related Articles Why Am I Always Thirsty? Control Your Diabetes With Exercise

External Sources American Diabetes Association. Hyperglycemia. Accessed November 27, 2007. Joslin Diabetes Center. High blood glucose (hyperglycemia). Accessed November 27, 2007.

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