Most individuals with diabetes have a. target fasting blood sugar level of 70-130 mg/dl. If you have type 1 diabetes, check your urine for. ketones. …
Greenwich
Hospital
DIABETES: HYPERGLYCEMIA HIGH BLOOD SUGAR
PATIENT/FAMILY INFORMATION SHEET
What is hyperglycemia?
Hyperglycemia means your blood sugar level is higher than the target level you have set with your physician Most individuals with diabetes have a target fasting blood sugar level of 70-130 mg/dl
What are the symptoms of hyperglycemia?
Common symptoms include: extreme thirst hunger frequent urination dry skin blurred vision drowsiness nausea
Symptoms generally develop gradually Not everyone will experience all of the symptoms mentioned
How do I treat hyperglycemia?
Treatment of hyperglycemia depends on the cause: Cause Food: Too much food or too much carbohydrate eaten at one time Medication: Too low a dose of medication; the wrong type of medication or too little insulin may be the problem Illness: The stress of illness raises blood sugar levels Treatment Work with your dietitian to adjust your meal plan Treatment related to medication must be discussed with your physician Do not stop taking medications to treat your diabetes unless otherwise directed by your physician Your physician may even increase your dose of medication during periods of illness
Drink plenty of carbohydrate-free fluids ie water, caffeine-free diet beverages, low sodium broth
Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids to meet the needs of your body
What can I do to prevent hyperglycemia?
Take your medications for diabetes as directed by your physician Follow the dietitian meal plan you developed with your
Monitor your blood sugar level as directed by your physician Measure your blood sugar more often such as, every 2-4 hours when you are ill If you have type 1 diabetes, check your urine for ketones If the reading is small or above, call your physician immediately Be sure to let all of your physicians know you have diabetes Some medications can raise blood sugar How can I get more information?
Organization Healthy Living with Diabetes Program at Greenwich Hospital Greenwich Hospital Diabetes Educator American Diabetes Association Web Resources American Diabetes Association wwwdiabetesorg National Diabetes Education Program wwwndepnihgov Phone 2038632954 203-863-3929 800342-2383
Notes:
For more Patient Education Fact Sheets, see the Greenwich Hospital web site at wwwgreenhosporg and click on Patients Visitors, then Patient Education
Rev
5/2008
Source:greenhosp.org
