How to Treat Emergency High Blood Sugar

Those suffering from diabetes must be in constant control of their blood-sugar levels. However, even with the most diligent surveillance, an emergency situation can sometimes arise.

Things You'll Need

• Fluids with electrolytes
• Medication
• Blood-glucose testing kit

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Instructions

• 1

  Drink at least two to three cups of fluids that contain few or no calories. This includes Gatorade that has been diluted with water or water that has been combined with Nu-salt. You want something that has electrolytes and other nutrients, especially potassium. Every half hour you will then drink another eight to 12 ounces of this fluid. It is crucial to get your electrolytes in the correct balance so your blood-sugar level returns to the normal range.

• 2

  Up your dose of correction boluses in three-hour increments. Generally this higher dose will be between 1 1/2 and two times your regular correction dosage. Continue to adhere to a higher dose until your glucose reading is under 200 mg/dl and also until your ketones are showing that they are negative.

• 3

  Stay alert for signs to call your doctor. These include feeling queasy or nauseated after four or more hours; or if at any point you throw up or can't hold down any liquids. If any of these symptoms occur, get immediate medical attention.

• 4

  Continue to check your glucose levels and be sure they are starting to go down. Keep checking your levels, especially after each new medicine dosage amount to make certain your levels are moving in the right direction.