Diabetes-Related High and Low Blood Sugar Levels-Check Your Symptoms

Diabetes-Related High and Low Blood Sugar Levels - Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Step One

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Step Three

Note:

If you think your blood sugar level may be high or low, do a home blood sugar test-do not wait until you have symptoms.
If your doctor has given you specific instructions to follow for high or low blood sugar levels, be sure to follow those instructions. Be sure to follow your treatment plan if you get the flu, a cold, or have surgery.
If you are pregnant and have diabetes, follow your doctor's instructions for high or low blood sugar levels.


	Yes

Is your blood sugar level high?


	Yes

Is your blood sugar level low?


	Yes

Do you have symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis? Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include:Flushed, hot, dry skin.A strong, fruity breath odor.Restlessness, drowsiness or difficulty waking up. Young children may lack interest in their normal activities.Rapid, deep breathing.Loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and vomiting.Confusion.


	Yes

Do you have symptoms of moderate dehydration?Symptoms of dehydration in a childSymptoms of dehydration in an adult


	Yes

Do you have nausea or vomiting and are unable to keep fluids down?


	Yes

Do you have a moderate to large amount of ketones in your urine?


	Yes

Do you have signs of infection? These signs may include:Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the affected area.Red streaks extending from the affected area.Drainage of pus from the area.


	Yes

Do you know or think you have a fever but you are unable to measure your temperature?


	Yes

Do you have symptoms of mild to moderate high blood sugar (symptoms of high blood sugar), and your symptoms are increasing after taking steps to lower your blood sugar level?


	Yes

Do you have symptoms of mild dehydration, and your symptoms are increasing after taking steps to lower your blood sugar level?Symptoms of dehydration in a childSymptoms of dehydration in an adult


	Yes

Is your blood sugar level high after you test your blood twice and your usual plan for lowering your blood sugar is not working, but you do not have symptoms of high blood sugar?


	Yes

Is your blood sugar level high and continues to rise after you have taken steps to lower your blood sugar level, but you do not have symptoms of high blood sugar?


	Yes

Is your blood sugar level high and you are not sure what you should do?


	Yes

Are you concerned that your episodes of high blood sugar levels are occurring more frequently?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

After 30 minutes of initiating steps to raise your blood sugar level, is your level under 70 mg/dL?


	Yes

Are you concerned that your episodes of low blood sugar levels are occurring more frequently?


	Yes

Have you had low blood sugar levels without any symptoms?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Answer:

Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia).

If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.

People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.

However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.

Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

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