How to Get a Diabetic High Back Down

There are two main types of diabetes; Type I, formerly known as juvenile diabetes, and Type II, or adult-onset diabetes. Type II can develop in children also and is sometimes associated with obesity. Gestational diabetes can develop in a pregnant woman; the condition usually goes away after delivery. In any of the diabetes types, a high blood-glucose level, or hyperglycemia, can cause long term health-related problems and should be treated as quickly as possible to bring the levels back to a healthy range. By following a few steps recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), a diabetic can lower his blood glucose reading.

Things You'll Need

• Blood glucose meter kit

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Instructions

• 1

  Learn the signs of hyperglycemia, such as high blood glucose readings, ketones or waste products in the urine, frequent urination and excessive thirst. Treat it as quickly as possible.

• 2

  Exercise to decrease high blood glucose levels. However, the ADA warns that if your reading is over 240 mg/dl, you should first check your urine for ketones. If they are present, do not exercise due to the possibility of the levels going even higher.

• 3

  Calculate the amount of insulin you took if you are a Type I diabetic, especially if you overate or had a high carbohydrate meal, since you may not have taken enough insulin and may need to add another dose to reduce your blood glucose levels.

• 4

  Work with your doctor, diabetes educator and dietitian to develop a plan to see if you need to adjust your medication or insulin, determine if you need to change the timing of your dosing, and monitor the amount and types of foods you are eating. Determine whether stress or illness may be causing your high blood-glucose levels.