Treatment FAQ

when should you get treatment for elevated glucose

by Dr. Calista Zulauf Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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If your A1C level is higher than 7%, your blood sugar, on average, was above the normal range. In this case, your doctor may recommend a change in your diabetes treatment plan.Jun 27, 2020

When should you treat high blood sugar?

Make an appointment with your doctor if:You experience ongoing diarrhea or vomiting, but you're able to take some foods or drinks.You have a fever that lasts more than 24 hours.Your blood glucose is more than 240 mg/dL (13.3 mmol/L) even though you've taken your diabetes medication.More items...•

At what glucose level is medication needed?

Sometimes, more insulin than needed is taken and this will cause hypoglycemia. To minimize this risk, many providers will recommend that individuals treated with insulin target a pre-meal blood sugar (plasma glucose) of 90-130 mg/dl and post meal blood sugar (plasma glucose) of less than 180 mg/dl.

At what point should you go to the hospital for high blood sugar?

For adults, if you start to feel drowsy or disoriented or if your blood sugar continues to rise, for example, above 20.0 mmol/L, call 911 or other emergency services immediately. It's best to have someone with you if your blood sugar is this elevated so that the person can call for you.

When should you start taking medicine for diabetes?

For most patients presenting with A1C at or above target level (ie, >7.5 to 8 percent), pharmacologic therapy should be initiated at the time of type 2 diabetes diagnosis (with lifestyle modification).

What sugar level requires metformin?

Recent guidelines recommend considering use of metformin in patients with prediabetes (fasting plasma glucose 100-125 mg/dL, 2-hr post-load glucose 140-199 mg/dL, or A1C 5.7-6.4%), especially in those who are <60 years old, have a BMI >35 kg/m2, or have a history of gestational diabetes.

Does prediabetes need medication?

While lifestyle changes can work wonders, some people with prediabetes also need medication. Your doctor may prescribe metformin if you have certain risk factors, such as low levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol, high triglycerides (a type of blood fat), a parent or sibling with diabetes, or are overweight.

What should I do when my blood sugar is 250?

Check your urine for ketones when your blood sugar level is over 250 mg/dL (14 mmol/L) on more than two consecutive tests, especially if you are sick. If you have a large amount of ketones, call your doctor for advice. Call your doctor immediately if you have any level of ketones and are vomiting.

Will high blood sugar go down on its own?

Type 1 diabetes does not go away on its own, but type 2 diabetes can go away if you modify your diet to a healthy one, maintain a healthy weight, and make healthy lifestyle choices.

What if the sugar level is 350?

Moderate to severe high blood sugar If your blood sugar levels are consistently high (usually above 350 mg/dL in adults and above 240 mg/dL in children), you may have moderate to severe symptoms of high blood sugar. These symptoms include: Blurred vision. Extreme thirst.

What is the first line treatment for diabetes?

Insulin injected subcutaneously is the first-line treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). The different types of insulin vary with respect to onset and duration of action. Short-, intermediate-, and long-acting insulins are available.

Is 200 blood sugar normal after eating?

Post eating blood sugar (2 hours) is normal only when it is less than 140 mg/dl. Any reading from 140 - 200 is considered as Pre-diabetes and lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise must be started.

What is normal blood sugar by age?

Blood glucose is measured in mg/dl. The normal range for blood glucose for people without diabetes is 70 to 120 mg/dl....What Number should My Blood Glucose be?AgeBlood Glucose mg/dl0 to 5 years old100 to 1806 to 9 years old80 to 14010 years old or more70 to 120

What should I do if my blood sugar is 165?

When hyperglycemia is associated with the presence of ketones in the urine, this state demands immediate medical attention. When blood sugar levels rise and stay high (over 165 mg/dL consistently) for days to weeks, diabetes should be suspected and treatment initiated.

What does a glucose level of 143 mean?

The ideal fasting blood glucose reading is less than 100. The ideal post-meal blood glucose reading is less than 140. 140-200 post meal/random reading is considered pre-diabetes.

Is medication required for type 2 diabetes?

Most people need medicine to control their type 2 diabetes. Medicine helps keep your blood sugar level as normal as possible to prevent health problems. You may have to take it for the rest of your life. Diabetes usually gets worse over time, so your medicine or dose may need to change.

How can I check my blood sugar?

Use a blood sugar meter (also called a glucometer) or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to check your blood sugar. A blood sugar meter measures th...

When should I check my blood sugar?

How often you check your blood sugar depends on the type of diabetes you have and if you take any diabetes medicines. Typical times to check your b...

What are blood sugar targets?

A blood sugar target is the range you try to reach as much as possible. These are typical targets: Before a meal: 80 to 130 mg/dL. Two hours after...

What causes low blood sugar?

Low blood sugar (also called hypoglycemia) has many causes, including missing a meal, taking too much insulin, taking other diabetes medicines, exe...

How can I treat low blood sugar?

Hypoglycemia UnawarenessIf you’ve had low blood sugar without feeling or noticing symptoms (hypoglycemia unawareness), you may need to check your b...

What causes blood sugar to be high?

Many things can cause high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), including being sick, being stressed, eating more than planned, and not giving yourself eno...

What are ketones?

Ketones are a kind of fuel produced when fat is broken down for energy. Your liver starts breaking down fat when there’s not enough insulin in your...

What is diabetic ketoacidosis?

If you think you may have low blood sugar, check it even if you don’t have symptoms. When too many ketones are produced too fast, they can build up...

How can I treat high blood sugar?

Talk to your doctor about how to keep your blood sugar levels within your target range. Your doctor may suggest the following: Be more active. Regu...

How do carbs affect blood sugar?

Carbs in food make your blood sugar levels go higher after you eat them than when you eat proteins or fats. You can still eat carbs if you have dia...

What Are The Signs of High Blood Sugar?

The classic symptoms of high blood glucose levels are: 1. Feeling very thirsty 2. Needing to go the toilet often 3. Having a dry mouth 4. Feeling t...

When to Call For Medical Advice

It is important to note that very high blood glucose levels can be dangerous and it is important to be aware of the symptoms and risk factors of th...

Correcting High Blood Sugar Levels With Insulin

If you take insulin, one way to reduce blood sugar is to inject insulin. However, be careful as insulin can take 4 hours or longer to be fully abso...

How to control high blood sugar?

If your blood sugar is often high, your doctor may change how much medicine you take or when you take it. Follow your diabetes meal plan. Ask your doctor or dietitian for help if you’re having trouble sticking to it. Check your blood sugar as directed by your doctor.

How to get blood sugar to 70?

Drink four ounces of fruit juice. Drink four ounces of regular soda, not diet soda. Eat four pieces of hard candy. Wait for 15 minutes and then check your blood sugar again. Do one of the above treatments again until your blood sugar is 70 mg/dL or above and eat a snack if your next meal is an hour or more away.

How do you know if you have low blood sugar?

Signs of low blood sugar are different for everyone. Common symptoms include: Shaking. Sweating. Nervousness or anxiety. Irritability or confusion. Dizziness. Hunger. Know what your individual symptoms are so you can catch low blood sugar early and treat it.

How to check blood sugar?

How can I check my blood sugar? Use a blood sugar meter (also called a glucometer) or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to check your blood sugar. A blood sugar meter measures the amount of sugar in a small sample of blood, usually from your fingertip.

What is the A1C goal for diabetes?

The A1C goal for most adults with diabetes is between 7% and 8%, but your goal may be different depending on your age, other health conditions, medicines you’re taking, and other factors. Work with your doctor to establish a personal A1C goal for you.

Why is it important to monitor your A1C?

It’s important to keep your blood sugar levels in your target range as much as possible to help prevent or delay long-term, serious health problems , such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease. Staying in your target range can also help improve your energy and mood.

What causes high blood sugar?

Many things can cause high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), including being sick, being stressed, eating more than planned, and not giving yourself enough insulin. Over time, high blood sugar can lead to long-term, serious health problems. Symptoms of high blood sugar include:

How to get help with diabetes?

If you're having a problem, start by checking your diabetes management plan. The plan can give you ideas on when and where to call for help. For many medical problems, it's best to start by calling your primary doctor, like your pediatrician or family doctor .

How to take care of diabetes?

Taking care of your diabetes includes knowing when to call a doctor and get medical help. As you learn more about diabetes, you'll become more confident about knowing when to call for help. Even if you're managing your diabetes on your own, it's a good idea to tell your mom or dad when you're feeling sick or having any symptoms that might be related to your diabetes. Having this parental support can be a huge help. Your mom or dad can help you get in touch with your doctor to prevent things from getting serious or even take you to the emergency department if you need it. If you're having a problem, start by checking your diabetes management plan. The plan can give you ideas on when and where to call for help. For many medical problems, it's best to start by calling your primary doctor, like your pediatrician or family doctor. In some cases, though, your diabetes management plan might advise you to call someone else on your diabetes health care team. If you need to see a doctor or get medical care, health care professionals may ask about: your symptoms, like whether you've been throwing up or feeling more tired than usual any prescription medications you're taking and the phone number of your pharmacy If you have time, it can help to write down this info before you visit the doctor. If you're ill, especially if the illness causes fever, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, or if your ability to eat or drink has been affected, call your doctor. You should also let your doctor or diabetes health care team know if you: have had a significant injury (more than a minor cut, scrape, or bump) have been prescribed new medications for another health problem (some medications may affect blood sugar levels) If you think a situation is an emergency, tell someone to call 911 or help you Continue reading >>

What is the condition of having too little glucose in the blood?

Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia is the condition of having too little glucose in the blood, usually below 70 mg/dl. It can result from taking too much insulin, not eating, illness or exercise. Hypoglycemia, sometimes called insulin shock or insulin reaction, can cause serious physical and mental changes.

What are the two conditions that can be diagnosed with diabetes?

In addition to the day-to-day basics of diabetes management and treatment, there's learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of two potential diabetes-related conditions: hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

What is the target blood sugar level?

For many people who have diabetes, Mayo Clinic generally recommends target blood sugar levels that are: Between 80 and 120 mg/dL (4 and 7 mmol/L) for people age 59 and younger who have no other underlying medical conditions Between 100 and 140 mg/dL (6 and 8 mmol/L) for people age 60 and older, those who have other medical conditions, such as heart, lung or kidney disease, or those who have a history of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or who have difficulty recognizing the symptoms of hypoglycemia Your target blood sugar range may differ, especially if you're pregnant or you develop diabetes complications. Your target blood sugar range may change as you get older, too. Sometimes, reaching your target blood sugar range is a challenge. Home blood sugar monitoring Routine blood sugar monitoring with a blood glucose meter is the best way to be sure that your treatment plan is keeping your blood sugar within your goal range. Check your blood sugar as often as your doctor recommends. If you have any signs or symptoms of severe hyperglycemia — even if they're subtle — check your blood sugar level. If your blood sugar level is 240 mg/dL (13 mmol/L) or above, use an over-the-counter urine ketones test kit. If the urine test is positive, your body may have started making the changes that can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. You'll need your doctor's help to lower your blood sugar level safely. Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test During an appointment, your doctor may conduct an A1C test. This blood test indicates your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. It works by measuring the percentage of blood sugar attached to hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. An A1C level of 7 perc Continue reading >>

How to stay in the hospital for diabetes?

Having to stay in the hospital, whether it’s planned or an emergency, can be a stressful and an uncomfortable experience. Preparation beforehand will alleviate some of the stress and help ensure your diabetes is well managed throughout your stay. First and most importantly, be aware of and knowledgeable about your own health and your own needs. Be prepared to speak up clearly and concisely when you are confused or worried about anything that is happening. Knowing what to expect and being prepared with up-to-date information about your medical history will help you feel less anxious. It will also help the hospital staff take better care of you, and hopefully have you on the mend and on your way home as soon as possible. Who & what you need to prepare Talk to your health-care team Even before you are admitted, talk to all of the medical people who are involved in your care (surgeon, family doctor, diabetes health providers), so that you can be confident that everyone has accurate and consistent information about you. Before going to the hospital, you should also be clear about and confident in the diabetes care you can expect to receive. Consider asking your health-care team these questions in advance: Who will manage your diabetes when you are in the hospital? Will you be able to do this yourself? Will you have input with the health-care team? What adjustments to your diabetes medications or insulin dose may be necessary before and after the medical procedures or surgery? What blood glucose (sugar) levels are too high or too low? If you use an insulin pump, are hospital staff familiar with pump therapy? Ask a family member or friend to be your advocate while you are in the hospital Talk to this person about how you manage your diabetes and also about any concerns you m Continue reading >>

Why is my blood sugar high?

If you don’t keep your blood sugar at a normal, healthy level most of the time, you will increase your risk of heart and blood vessel disease, stroke, kidney problems, and loss of vision. The medical term for high blood sugar is hyperglycemia. Blood sugar is also called blood glucose. What is the cause? Blood sugar that stays high is the main problem of diabetes. Your body breaks down some of the foods you eat into sugar. Normally the hormone insulin moves this sugar into your cells, where your body uses it for energy. In diabetes the insulin is not moving the sugar into the cells, so it builds up in the bloodstream and starts to cause problems. Sometimes you may have high blood sugar even though you are taking diabetes medicine. This can happen for many reasons but it always means that your diabetes is not in good control. Some reasons why your sugar might go too high are: Skipping your diabetes medicine Not taking the right amount of diabetes medicine Taking certain medicines that increase your blood sugar or make your blood sugar medicines work less well Taking in too many calories by eating large portions of food, choosing too many high-calorie foods, or drinking too many high-sugar beverages Eating too many carbohydrates, such as foods made mainly with sugar, white flour (in bread, biscuits, pancakes, for example), white potatoes, or white rice Not getting enough physical activity (exercise lowers your blood sugar) Having increased emotional or physical stress Being sick, including colds, flu, an infected tooth, or a urinary tract infection, especially if you have a fever If you are using insulin, having a problem with your insulin (for examp Continue reading >>

What to do if you are struggling to control your glucose levels?

If you are struggling to keep your blood glucose levels under control, speak to your GP or consultant who can advise you or refer you onto a diabetes education course.

How to lower blood glucose levels?

Therefore, one way of reducing your blood glucose levels is reflecting on where sugar may be consumed in the diet. Think about any refined and processed foods that may be in your diet as these are often high in sugar. This can be achieved through a low carbohydrate diet.

How to get rid of high blood sugar?

Drinking more water. When your blood sugar levels are running high, your body will try to flush excess sugar out of your blood through the urine. As a result, your body will need more fluids to rehydrate itself. Drinking water can help the body with flushing out some of the glucose in the blood. Just a word of caution to be sensible ...

How long does it take for a diabetic to go into remission?

Hyperglycemia occurs when there is too much glucose in the blood. Low-carb diet for 12 weeks put type 2 diabetes into remission. Low carb in type 1 diabetes improves glucose level variability, new study shows. Therefore, one way of reducing your blood glucose levels is reflecting on where sugar may be consumed in the diet.

What is it called when insulin is not absorbed by the blood?

Insulin that is yet to be absorbed by the blood is called ‘active insulin’ . If you decide to correct with insulin, watch you don’t over correct as this can lead to hypoglycemia and can be dangerous, particularly so before bed.

How do you know if you have high blood glucose?

The classic symptoms of high blood glucose levels are: Feeling very thirsty. Needing to go the toilet often. Having a dry mouth. Feeling tired/lethargic. Feeling uncomfortable and irritable.

How long does it take for insulin to absorb?

However, be careful as insulin can take 4 hours or longer to be fully absorbed, so you need to make sure you take into account how much insulin you may already have in your body that is yet to be absorbed by the blood. Insulin that is yet to be absorbed by the blood is called ‘active insulin’.

How to do a glucose challenge?

You'll begin the glucose challenge test by drinking a syrupy glucose solution. One hour later, you'll have a blood test to measure your blood sugar level. A blood sugar level below 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) is usually considered normal on a glucose challenge test, although this may vary at specific clinics or labs.

Where to go if you have diabetes?

You're likely to start by seeing your primary care doctor if you're having diabetes symptoms. If your child is having diabetes symptoms, you might see your child's pediatrician. If blood sugar levels are extremely high, you'll likely be sent to the emergency room.

Why do people with diabetes have to be screened?

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes often appear suddenly and are often the reason for checking blood sugar levels. Because symptoms of other types of diabetes and prediabetes come on more gradually or may not be evident , the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has recommended screening guidelines. The ADA recommends that the following people be screened for diabetes:

How to treat type 1 diabetes?

Treatment for type 1 diabetes involves insulin injections or the use of an insulin pump, frequent blood sugar checks, and carbohydrate counting. Treatment of type 2 diabetes primarily involves lifestyle changes, monitoring of your blood sugar, along with diabetes medications, insulin or both.

How does exercise affect blood sugar?

Exercise lowers your blood sugar level by moving sugar into your cells, where it's used for energy. Exercise also increases your sensitivity to insulin, which means your body needs less insulin to transport sugar to your cells .

What blood test is used to determine blood sugar levels?

Tests for type 1 and type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test. This blood test, which doesn't require fasting, indicates your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. It measures the percentage of blood sugar attached to hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.

Why does blood sugar rise?

Your blood sugar level can rise for many reasons, including eating too much, being sick or not taking enough glucose-lowering medication. Check your blood sugar level as directed by your doctor, and watch for signs and symptoms of high blood sugar — frequent urination, increased thirst, dry mouth, blurred vision, fatigue and nausea. If you have hyperglycemia, you'll need to adjust your meal plan, medications or both.

How to manage hyperglycemia in type 1 diabetes?

People with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can manage hyperglycemia by eating healthy, being active, and managing stress. In addition, insulin is a critical part of managing hyperglycemia for people with type 1 diabetes, while people with type 2 diabetes may need oral medications and eventually insulin to help them manage hyperglycemia.

How long does it take for blood glucose to go up after eating?

A person has hyperglycemia if their blood glucose is greater than 180 mg/dL one to two hours after eating. If you have hyperglycemia and it’s untreated for long periods of time, you can damage your nerves, blood vessels, tissues and organs.

What is the blood glucose level of a person with diabetes?

Hyperglycemia is blood glucose greater than 125 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) while fasting (not eating for at least eight hours; a person with a fasting blood glucose greater than 125 mg/dL has diabetes).

What are the risk factors for hyperglycemia?

Major risk factors for hyperglycemia are: You have a family history of type 2 diabetes. You are African American, Native American, Hispanic or Asian American. You are overweight. You have high blood pressure or cholesterol. You have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). You have a history of gestational diabetes.

What causes insulin resistance?

Endocrine conditions, such as Cushing syndrome, that cause insulin resistance. Pancreatic diseases such as pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis. Certain medications (such as diuretics and steroids). Gestational diabetes, which happens in 4% of pregnancies, and is due to decreased insulin sensitivity.

What does it mean when you have high blood sugar?

Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar) Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) means there is too much sugar in the blood because the body lacks enough insulin. Associated with diabetes, hyperglycemia can cause vomiting, excessive hunger and thirst, rapid heartbeat, vision problems and other symptoms. Untreated hyperglycemia can lead to serious health ...

What is the term for a person who has too much sugar in their blood?

Hyperglycemia, or high blood glucose, occurs when there is too much sugar in the blood. This happens when your body has too little insulin (the hormone that transports glucose into the blood), or if your body can't use insulin properly. The condition is most often linked with diabetes.

When to call a doctor for high blood sugar?

They recommend calling a doctor if you have two readings in a row of 300 or more. Call your doctor if you’re worried about any symptoms of high blood sugar. They can offer advice and reassurance. See your doctor if you have consistently high blood sugar levels.

How to lower blood sugar quickly?

Some sources suggest that drinking water or eating a high protein snack can quickly lower your blood sugar levels, though there isn’t enough research to support this.

Why is my blood sugar high?

High blood sugar occurs when your body has too little insulin, or your body can’t use insulin properly. Administering insulin can bring your blood sugar levels down. Talk to your doctor about how much rapid-acting insulin you should administer when your blood sugar is high.

What to do if you have ketones in your urine?

However, if someone has ketones in their urine or symptoms of excessively high blood sugar, they may need to go to the emergency room. If you’re having difficulty managing with your diabetes, you can call the American Diabetes Association’s helpline at 1-800-342-2383 for referrals and advice.

Why does exercise cause glucose to drop?

This is because it makes your body more sensitive to insulin. Physical activity causes the body to demand glucose for energy. As a result, the cells deliver glucose to the muscles and blood sugar levels usually drop. For this to work, you need a form of exercise that gets your heart pumping faster than usual.

What are some examples of complications caused by high blood sugar?

Examples of complications include: nerve damage, called diabetic neuropathy, that may affect sensations in the feet and hands. diabetic retinopathy, or damage to the blood vessels in the eyes that affects vision.

How to get your heart pumping faster?

For this to work, you need a form of exercise that gets your heart pumping faster than usual. This can include walking at a quick pace.

How to reduce blood sugar?

Increase dietary fiber intake. Share on Pinterest. Eating plenty of soluble fiber, including whole grains such as brown rice, may help. Fiber plays a significant role in blood sugar management by slowing down the rate that carbohydrates break down, and the rate that the body absorbs the resulting sugars.

When does blood sugar spike?

Blood sugar levels tend to surge in the early morning hours. In most people, insulin will tell the body what to do with the excess sugar, which keeps the blood sugar levels normal.

Why does blood sugar spike when you eat too many carbs?

However, for people with diabetes, eating too many carbohydrates can cause blood sugar to spike too high. Reducing the amounts of carbohydrates a person eats reduces the amount a person’s blood sugar spikes.

How does reducing carbohydrates affect blood sugar?

Reducing the amounts of carbohydrates a person eats reduces the amount a person’s blood sugar spikes.

What is high blood sugar?

Blood sugar levels are a primary concern for people with diabetes. High blood sugar, known as hyperglycemia, occurs when a person’s blood sugar is over 180 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

What does a low glycemic index mean?

The glycemic index measures and ranks various foods by how much they cause blood sugar levels to rise. Research shows. Trusted Source. that following a low glycemic index diet decreases fasting blood sugar levels. Low glycemic index foods are those that score below 55 on the glycemic index.

Why does blood sugar not rise after eating?

Because the chemical makeup of these kinds of carbohydrates is complicated, it takes the body longer to break them down. As a result, sugar is released into the body more gradually, meaning that blood sugar levels do not rapidly rise after eating them.

When is the best time to check blood glucose levels?

Your yearly doctor’s appointment is an excellent time to check in on your blood glucose levels. This is especially true if your age (over 45 years old), weight, or family history put you at higher risk for developing diabetes in general.

Why does my glucose level rise?

These include certain foods, like artificial sweeteners and coffee. Other factors like stress can do it, too. If you live with an endocrine or pancreatic condition , had surgery recently , or are experiencing intense physical stress (say, from a sunburn), you may also see your glucose value rise.

How does the pancreas respond to insulin?

Your pancreas responds to this increase in glucose by producing more insulin to help your body process it. This excess amount of insulin in the bloodstream can eventually cause your body to lose insulin sensitivity or build resistance to it, leading to higher blood glucose levels.

What are the health problems that can be caused by high blood glucose levels?

Zanini says that untreated high blood glucose can lead to a wide range of health issues—some of the most common being chronic inflammation, heart disease, vision impairment, kidney disease, nerve damage, tooth decay, damaged blood vessels, and periodontal disease.

Why is my blood sugar low?

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is the result of too little glucose in the bloodstream. Hyperglycemia usually occurs because your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t properly use the available insulin to remove the glucose from the bloodstream.

How long does it take for a blood glucose test to be done?

Doctors use four main tests to gauge patients’ blood glucose levels: 1. Fasting blood glucose test. Conducted after fasting for eight hours; a reading of 100 mg/dL or more is considered high or a sign of prediabetes, while a reading of at least 126 mg/dL indicates type 2 diabetes.

What causes high blood glucose levels?

Certain conditions could make you more likely to have high blood glucose. These include Cushing’s disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and gestational diabetes. Blood glucose may also rise as the result of common illnesses like a head cold or the flu.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

  • Depending on what type of diabetes you have, blood sugar monitoring, insulin and oral medications may play a role in your treatment. Eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and participating in regular activity also are important factors in managing diabetes.
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Clinical Trials

  • Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
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Lifestyle and Home Remedies

  • Diabetes is a serious disease. Following your diabetes treatment plan takes round-the-clock commitment. Careful management of diabetes can reduce your risk of serious — even life-threatening — complications. 1. Make a commitment to managing your diabetes.Learn all you can about diabetes. Establish a relationship with a diabetes educator, and ask your diabetes treatme…
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Alternative Medicine

  • Numerous substances have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity in some studies, while other studies fail to find any benefit for blood sugar control or in lowering A1C levels. Because of the conflicting findings, there aren't any alternative therapies that are currently recommended to help everyone with blood sugar management. If you decide to try any type of alternative therapy, don'…
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Coping and Support

  • Living with diabetes can be difficult and frustrating. Sometimes, even when you've done everything right, your blood sugar levels may rise. But stick with your diabetes management plan, and you'll likely see a positive difference in your A1C when you visit your doctor. Because good diabetes management can be time-consuming, and sometimes overwhelming, some people fin…
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Preparing For Your Appointment

  • You're likely to start by seeing your primary care doctor if you're having diabetes symptoms. If your child is having diabetes symptoms, you might see your child's pediatrician. If blood sugar levels are extremely high, you'll likely be sent to the emergency room. If blood sugar levels aren't high enough to put you or your child immediately at risk, you may be referred to a doctor who speciali…
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