Diabetes-Related High and Low Blood Sugar Levels - Topic Overview
High blood sugar occurs when the sugar (glucose) level in your blood
rises above normal. Eating too many calories, missing medicines (insulin or
pills), or having an infection or illness, injury, surgery, or emotional stress
can cause your blood sugar to rise.
High blood sugar usually
develops slowly over a period of hours to days. But missing a dose of insulin
can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels just above
your target range may make you feel tired and thirsty. If your blood sugar
level stays higher than normal for weeks, your body will adjust to that level,
and you may not have as many
symptoms of high blood sugar.
don't monitor your blood sugar regularly or you don't notice the symptoms of
high blood sugar, you usually will have time to treat high blood sugar so that
you can prevent high blood sugar emergencies. Three things can help you prevent
high blood sugar problems:
- Test your blood sugar often, especially if you
are sick or are not following your normal routine. You can see when your blood
sugar is above your target range, even if you don't have symptoms of high blood
sugar such as increased thirst, increased urination, and fatigue. Then you can
treat it early, preventing an emergency.
- Call your doctor if you
have frequent high blood sugar levels or if your blood sugar level is
consistently staying above your target range. Your medicine may need to be
adjusted or changed.
- Drink extra water or noncaffeinated,
non-sugared drinks so you will not be dehydrated. If your blood sugar continues
to rise, your kidneys will increase the amount of urine produced, and you can
Complications of high blood sugar can cause serious
problems, including coma and death. Over time, high blood sugar can damage your
eyes, heart, kidneys, blood vessels, and nerves.
blood sugar occurs when the sugar (glucose) level in your blood drops below
what your body needs. Not eating enough food or skipping meals, taking too much
medicine (insulin or pills), exercising more than usual, or taking certain
medicines that lower blood sugar can cause your blood
sugar to drop rapidly. Do not drink alcohol if you have problems recognizing the early signs of low blood sugar.