How to Prevent High Blood Sugar

According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 23 million Americans suffer from diabetes or high blood sugar. High blood sugar develops when glucose levels in the blood rise above normal because of eating too much, skipping a medication dose, inactivity or illness. Untreated high blood sugar can result in severe complications, such as heart disease, kidney disease and blindness, and may lead to death in severe cases. Here are some precautions to take when dealing with this condition.

Things You'll Need

• Blood glucose meter
• Glucose strips
• Ketone strips

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Instructions

• 1

  Listen to your body and watch for signs of high blood sugar, such as increased thirst, fatigue, frequent urination, blurry vision or loss of appetite.

• 2

  Test your blood sugar levels often to ensure that they remain within your target range. This is especially important during times or illness, stress or medication changes.

• 3

  Use ketone strips to test your urine for ketones if your blood sugar levels exceed 250 mg/dL. If large amounts of ketones are present in your urine, you must contact your doctor immediately for treatment.

• 4

  Speak with your doctor about changing or adjusting your medication if your blood glucose levels fail to remain within your target range, even when you are eating and exercising normally.

• 5

  Drink plenty of water and unsweetened drinks to prevent dehydration and maintain constant blood sugar levels.

• 6

  Follow your doctor's orders. If you have been prescribed a special diet, it is essential that you follow this diet in order to prevent high blood sugar.

• 7

  Take all medications prescribed for you, and pay special attention to instructions regarding whether your medications should be taken with or without food. Do not stop taking your medications or adjust your dose without consulting your doctor first.

• 8

  Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day, unless your doctor advises otherwise. Exercise is important to blood sugar regulation, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

• 9

  Teach your friends and family about the symptoms of high blood sugar, and explain to them what to do in the event your blood glucose levels become dangerously high.