Blood Sugar Levels

How to Manage Blood Sugar

Whether you have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), you know the importance of maintaining optimal blood sugar levels. Blood sugar, also known as glucose, is a crucial health component, and the consequences can be life-threatening if your blood sugar gets very high or very low.

The food you eat plays a huge role in balancing your blood sugar levels, but you play an even bigger role by knowing how to recognize the signs of a blood sugar imbalance and how to get your glucose back within a normal and healthy range.

Low Blood Sugar

Hypoglycemia occurs when your blood sugar, or glucose, drops below a healthy level, typically below 70 mg/dL. It can be caused by several factors, including medication, diet, physical activity, and underlying medical conditions. In individuals with diabetes, it's often related to insulin or other medications.

Glucose is your body’s primary energy source. Without it, your brain and cells do not have the fuel they need to function. If it gets low enough, hypoglycemia can lead to fainting, seizures, coma, and even death. 

Low blood sugar symptoms

The first signs of low blood sugar are usually feeling shaky, hunger, and looking pale. You may also have:

• A racing heart

• Anxiety

• Irritability

• Sweating

• Dizziness

How to raise blood sugar: follow the 15-15 rule

When your glucose is low, don't reach for a diet soda — diet sweeteners will not help. Eat or drink 15 grams of fast-acting, simple carbohydrates to raise your blood sugar quickly. Some good sources are:

Glucose tablets. These are pre-measured and designed for quick absorption.

Fruit juice or regular soda (not diet). Choose a 4-ounce serving.

Hard candy or jellybeans. Check the nutrition label to determine the correct amount to reach 15 grams of carbs.

Table sugar or honey. Use one tablespoon. 

Recheck your blood sugar after 15 minutes. If your blood sugar is still below target range (usually below 70 mg/dL, but consult with your doctor for your specific target), consume another 15 grams of fast-acting carbs and wait another 15 minutes before rechecking.

Once your blood sugar is back within your target range, eat a balanced snack or meal that includes protein and complex carbohydrates to help stabilize your blood sugar levels and prevent it from dropping again. 

If your blood sugar is severely low, typically below 55 mg/dL, you may not be able to treat it by eating sugar and using the 15-15 rule. Your symptoms may also prevent you from checking your own blood sugar, so get help right away if you experience:

• Weakness

• Confusion 

• Blurred vision 

• Trouble walking

• Seizures

These are signs of severely low blood sugar, and you will need an injectable medication called glucagon, which is available by prescription (if you have diabetes, ask your doctor about keeping some on hand). Get a friend or family member to help you take it, if necessary. Always seek emergency medical treatment after a glucagon injection.

If no glucagon is available, call 911 immediately.

Act Fast

If you have symptoms of low blood sugar, but can't check it, take steps to treat it anyway. It is better to treat it than wait.

person using a glucose meter to check their blood sugar
glass of orange juice with oranges on wooden table
woman sitting at a table looking at her glucose monitor

What is High Blood Sugar

Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, occurs when the glucose levels in the blood are too high. It occurs frequently with diabetes but can also occur in people without diabetes. Other causes of high blood sugar include insulin resistance, pancreatic disease, stress, illness, and even certain medications. Partner with your doctor and a dietitian to find the right balance between diet and medications to keep your blood sugar within a normal range.

A blood sugar level over 180 mg/dL two hours after eating is considered high, and dangerous complications can start at 250 mg/dL. Long-term high blood sugar can cause a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA occurs when your body has used up the insulin it needs and starts burning fat for energy instead of glucose. This results in a harmful buildup of acids in your bloodstream called ketones, and left untreated, the buildup can lead to DKA.

Symptoms of high blood sugar 

You may not feel any symptoms of high blood sugar, especially early on, so regularly checking your blood sugar with a glucometer is critical. If you do have symptoms, you may experience:

• Excessive thirst

• Frequent urination

• Fatigue

• Frequent or extreme hunger

• Blurred vision

• Slow-healing cuts and sores

• Weight loss

How to lower blood sugar

The first step in reducing blood sugar is regularly checking your blood sugar levels. Use this information to track your progress and identify patterns. From there, you can take many steps to lower your blood sugar:

Diet and nutrition. Eating a balanced meal plan, moderating portions, consuming fiber-rich foods, limiting sugar, and selecting foods low on the glycemic index can all help lower your blood sugar.

Hydration. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out excess sugar and supports overall metabolic function. 

Physical activity. Regular exercise can help your body process carbohydrates. Include different types of exercise, like brisk walking, running, swimming, or cycling (be sure to discuss your exercise plan with your doctor before you start).

Stress management. Explore techniques like yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or spending time in nature to manage stress levels. 

Get good sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night, as sleep deprivation can affect blood sugar levels. 

Medication (if needed). Sometimes, diet and exercise just aren’t enough and your doctor may prescribe medication to help lower your blood sugar levels.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your blood sugar might still get too high. This is why it is so important to monitor your blood sugar. Get urgent medical attention if your blood sugar is over 240 mg/dL and you're experiencing symptoms like:

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

• Stomach pain

• Rapid breathing

• Fast heartbeat

• Difficulty staying awake

• Ketones in your urine

If you become drowsy, disoriented, or if your blood sugar continues to rise (above 350 mg/dL), call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. 

Check Yourself

Some people don't have symptoms when their blood sugar changes. It is essential to get to know your body and check your blood sugar often. The best way to avoid dangerous blood sugar levels is to stay aware and act early.

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