High blood sugar levels are often referred to as hyperglycemia, also known as high blood sugar. They could lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which occurs when insulin levels are low. DKA usually occurs with type I diabetes.
DKA is an emergency medical situation. Its symptoms include:
- breathlessness
- breath that is fruity in smell
- nausea and vomiting
- dry mouth
If you're unsure of what to do, contact your doctor for advice regarding administering a dose of insulin and to get advice on whether you should visit the emergency room.
This article outlines methods for reducing blood sugar levels quickly when visiting the hospital emergency room or seeing an ER doctor and ways to manage excessive blood sugar.
The best ways to reduce blood sugar fast
If you treat it early when you are treated early, you can bring your blood sugar levels to normal and help prevent the onset of complications, including DKA.
Some reports suggest that drinking a glass of water or eating a protein-rich snack may quickly reduce blood sugar levels, but there are no studies to prove this.
If you're suffering from high blood sugar levels and want to lower it rapidly, Try these methods:
Use your insulin according to the prescription.
High blood sugar occurs when the body has insufficient insulin or is unable to utilize insulin properly. Administering insulin can bring blood sugar levels down.
Discuss with your physician the amount of rapid-acting insulin you must apply when your blood sugar levels are excessive.
It is recommended that you test your blood sugar at least 30 minutes after the administration of insulin to ensure that your blood sugar levels are not dropping to a low level.
In these situations, it is recommended that additional correction insulin be not administered for at least 3 hours afterward to avoid hypoglycemia or insulin stacking.
Exercise
Exercise is a quick and efficient way to lower blood sugar. It can reduce blood sugar levels for up to 24 hours because it makes your body more vulnerable to insulin.
The body's physical activity triggers its need for glucose for energy. Cells release glucose to muscles, and blood sugar levels typically fall as a result.
Importantly, if your blood sugar is higher than 240 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), Check the urine to detect ketones. If ketones are detected, don't exercise. If you do, it could raise your blood sugar even more.
Although exercise is an excellent method to reduce blood sugar levels throughout the day, specific exercises — concise bursts of vigorous exercise — may temporarily boost your blood sugar level.
This is because strenuous exercise stimulates the body's response to stress, which triggers the release of glucagon, which powers the muscles.
When is the best time to call a doctor?
Based on The University of Michigan, blood sugar levels at or above 300 mg/dL are considered to be dangerous. The University of Michigan suggests calling an expert if you've had two consecutive 300 mg/dL readings or higher.
Consult your physician if you are worried about the symptoms of elevated blood sugar. They can offer guidance and reassurance.
Set up an appointment with a doctor if you're experiencing regularly elevated blood sugar. The signs of this are:
- Invariably high blood sugar levels
- frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Urine with high sugar levels
Ask your physician what frequency you should be checking your blood sugar levels and the optimal blood sugar level.
When to go to the ER
High blood sugar is alarming because it can cause the body to begin burning fat instead of glucose in the blood to fuel itself.
It can lead to DKA, an emergency medical condition that could be fatal if not treated.
Signs that you should visit an emergency room are:
- Ketones in urine
- confusion
- nausea
- breathlessness
- stomach pain
- vomiting
- Fresh fruity breath
DKA is one of the most severe complications that is a serious complication of type 1 diabetes. It's uncommon among people with type 2 diabetes. However, it is still possible to develop.
The complications of high blood sugar
Monitoring your blood sugar levels and treating hyperglycemia as soon as it is detected can prevent any complications.
Health issues can develop when a person has regular high blood sugar levels and is not treated.
Some examples of complications are:
- Nerve damage, referred to as diabetic neuropathy, can alter the sensations of hands and feet.
- Diabetic retinopathy or damage to eye blood vessels, which affects vision
- The increased risk of kidney issues
- Heart problems are more likely to be a cause of concern.
Maintaining your blood sugar levels within the range of your desired levels will help lower the risk of issues developing.
Learn more about Type 2 Diabetes.
- How to Eat Tips on what foods help control the symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes.
- Fundamentals Important information, as well as suggestions for managing your day-to-day activities.
- Blood Sugar: Strategies to monitor and manage the levels of blood sugar.
- Medicines: Overview of drugs used to treat Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes.
- Insulin Details on ways and forms of insulin.
- Metformin: Details about Metformin, the most commonly prescribed diabetes medication.
What is the normal range for hyperglycemia?
- 70 mg/dL or less hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Take a snack to increase the blood sugar (e.g., 1/2 cup juice from fruit, 1 tablespoon of honey, or 2 tablespoons of raisins).
- 80-130 mg/dL: The ideal prerandial range (before eating).
- 180 mg/dL or less Postprandial level of 180 mg or less (1-2 hours following the meal's start).
- An amount of 240 mg/dL or greater: Test your urine for ketones. Consult your physician if you discover moderate amounts of ketones following multiple tests.
Tips to live a healthy lifestyle with diabetes
The majority of people control their diabetics in a manner that prevents the blood sugar level from becoming excessively high. These tips can be helpful:
- Staying hydrated
- adhering to the treatment plan you have chosen to follow.
- consuming a balanced diet
- regularly working out
- reducing stress
- maintaining a consistent sleeping schedule
- keeping a healthy weight
Frequently asked questions on hyperglycemia.
How can you reverse hyperglycemia?
Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes is considered to be a persistent illness, and therefore, healthcare professionals prefer using the phrase “remission” instead of “reversed” or “cured.”
Doctors think that you may be in remission when your blood sugar levels remain within the range of 3 months, without the need for medication to lower your glucose levels.
Discuss with your physician the possibility of being able to bring the type 2 diabetic in Remission and the best way to achieve this.
Should you offer sugar to someone who has hyperglycemia?
Sugar intake for those suffering from hyperglycemia won't immediately cause more problems. But the most effective strategy is to use insulin to lower the blood sugar levels of your patients. Discuss with your physician the amount of insulin you need to use in situations like this.
It's recommended to test your blood sugar levels approximately 30 minutes after you've taken insulin to ensure they're not falling to a low level.
What can I do to reduce my hyperglycemia naturally?
The high levels of blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, occur when your body cannot make enough insulin or utilize insulin effectively. Here are a few lifestyle tips to reduce the levels of blood sugar naturally:
- Regular exercise: Regular exercise helps increase your body's sensitivity to insulin and helps your cells utilize more sugars in your blood.
- Manage your carb intake: A low-carb diet helps prevent sugar spikes.
- Include fiber in your diet. The body's digestion of fiber slows down the absorption of carbohydrates and sugar.
- Drinking Water: The water helps flush sugar accumulating in your kidneys.
- Manage stress: Stress can affect your blood sugar levels. Meditation, yoga, and other methods of relaxation can help reduce stress.
- Sleep well: Sleep deprivation can increase your appetite and cortisol levels, which can cause weight gain.
Do you think 170 is blood glucose hyperglycemia?
If you want to be diagnosed with hyperglycemia, your blood sugar must be more significant than 125 mg/dLTrusted Source when fasting and more than 180 mg/dL within 2 hours after eating. That's why 170 mg/dL may be deemed hyperglycemia when fasting.
Are you sure that 140 is hyperglycemia?
A blood sugar reading of 140 mg/dL may indicate hyperglycemia, if your blood sugar is at this level if you are on a fast.
How should I proceed when my blood sugar level is 250?
When your sugar level is at 250 mg/dL or higher, you should test the urine to see if you have ketones. Contact your doctor if you detect them during more than one blood test. You can purchase an over-the-counter urine test kit from the drugstore near you.
If you're experiencing signs like excessive thirst and vomiting, visit the emergency room. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) requires immediate medical treatment.
The Bottom Line
Injecting insulin and working out are among the top two popular ways to bring blood sugar levels to a lower level.
However, if a person has ketones present in the urine or symptoms of high blood sugar levels, they might need to visit the emergency room.