What to Do When Your Blood Sugar Is Too High: A Step-by-Step Guide

18 Sep 2025 By Dana M. Harris, M.D.

What to Do When Your Blood Sugar Is Too High: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is a common concern for individuals with diabetes. It occurs when there's too much glucose in the blood, often because the body isn't producing enough insulin, isn't using insulin effectively, or both. Recognizing and addressing high blood sugar promptly is crucial to prevent potential complications. This step-by-step guide provides actionable strategies for managing and lowering your blood sugar levels when they're elevated.

Why Managing High Blood Sugar Matters

Chronically elevated blood sugar can lead to a range of health issues, from minor discomfort to severe long-term complications. Consistently high levels can damage blood vessels, nerves, and organs. Here's a quick look at the potential consequences:

Short-Term Symptoms: Frequent urination, increased thirst, blurred vision, fatigue, headaches.
Long-Term Complications: Heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage (neuropathy), eye damage (retinopathy), and foot problems.

| Complication | Impact | | ------------ | ----------- | | Cardiovascular Disease | High blood sugar contributes to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. | | Neuropathy | Nerve damage can lead to pain, numbness, and tingling, particularly in the hands and feet. | | Nephropathy | Kidney damage can eventually lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. | | Retinopathy | Damage to blood vessels in the retina can lead to vision loss and blindness. |

Taking proactive steps to manage your blood sugar not only improves your daily quality of life but also reduces the risk of these severe health problems down the line.

Step 1: Check Your Blood Sugar Level Immediately

The first and most crucial step is to confirm that your blood sugar is indeed high. Use your blood glucose meter to check your current level. This provides a baseline for monitoring your progress as you take corrective measures.

How to Properly Use a Blood Glucose Meter

Wash your hands: Clean hands ensure accurate readings.
Insert a test strip: Place a new test strip into your meter.
Prick your finger: Use the lancet device to prick the side of your fingertip.
Apply blood to the strip: Gently touch the test strip to the drop of blood.
Read the result: Wait for the meter to display your blood sugar level.

Interpreting Your Blood Sugar Reading

Understanding your blood sugar level is vital for determining the next steps. Generally:

Normal Blood Sugar (Fasting): 70-100 mg/dL
Normal Blood Sugar (2 hours after eating): Less than 140 mg/dL
High Blood Sugar: Generally considered above 180 mg/dL (but check with your healthcare provider for your target range).

If your reading is significantly above your target range, proceed to the next steps. Record your blood sugar reading, along with the time, any recent food intake, and any medications you've taken. This information can be valuable when discussing your blood sugar management with your doctor.

Step 2: Administer Insulin (If Applicable and Prescribed)

If you use insulin to manage your diabetes, the next step is to administer a correction dose based on your blood sugar level and your healthcare provider's instructions. Why Is My Morning Blood Sugar So High A Clear Explanation

Understanding Correction Doses

Consult your doctor: Before using insulin, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of your insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio and your correction factor (the amount your blood sugar decreases for each unit of insulin).
Follow the prescribed plan: Don't deviate from the plan unless instructed by your healthcare provider.
Calculate the correct dose: Use your correction factor to calculate the appropriate insulin dose to bring your blood sugar back to your target range.

Example Calculation

Let's say:

Your target blood sugar range is 80-120 mg/dL.
Your current blood sugar is 250 mg/dL.
Your correction factor is 1 unit of insulin lowers your blood sugar by 50 mg/dL.

Then, the calculation would be: (250 mg/dL - 120 mg/dL) / 50 mg/dL per unit = 2.6 units. You would round this to either 2.5 or 3 units, based on your doctor's instructions. What To Do During A Hypoglycemia Emergency A Step By Step Guide

Important Considerations When Administering Insulin

Timing: Know when to inject in relation to meals. Rapid-acting insulin is often taken just before or immediately after eating.
Injection site: Rotate injection sites to prevent lipohypertrophy (fatty lumps under the skin), which can affect insulin absorption. Common sites include the abdomen, thigh, and upper arm.
Technique: Use proper injection technique. Pinch the skin, insert the needle at a 90-degree angle (or 45-degree if using a shorter needle), and inject the insulin slowly.
Storage: Store insulin properly, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Opened vials or pens typically need to be refrigerated.

If you're unsure about your insulin dosage or have any questions, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Step 3: Hydrate by Drinking Plenty of Water

Dehydration can further elevate blood sugar levels. When you're dehydrated, your blood becomes more concentrated, which can increase blood sugar readings. Drinking water helps dilute the glucose in your bloodstream and helps your kidneys flush out excess sugar through urine.

How Water Helps Lower Blood Sugar

Dilution: Water dilutes the concentration of glucose in your blood.
Kidney function: Adequate hydration supports kidney function, allowing them to effectively filter and remove excess sugar.
Improved circulation: Proper hydration promotes healthy blood circulation, which is crucial for overall metabolic function.

Recommended Fluid Intake

General guideline: Aim for at least 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water per day.
When blood sugar is high: Increase your water intake significantly. Try to drink a glass of water every 30-60 minutes until your blood sugar starts to come down.
Avoid sugary drinks: Steer clear of sugary sodas, juices, and sports drinks, as they can worsen hyperglycemia.
Alternatives: Unsweetened tea or infused water with lemon or cucumber can also be good options.

Signs of Dehydration

Recognizing the signs of dehydration is important. These can include:

Thirst
Dry mouth
Dark urine
Dizziness
Fatigue

If you experience any of these symptoms, prioritize drinking water immediately.

Step 4: Engage in Light Exercise (If Appropriate)

Physical activity can help lower blood sugar levels by increasing your body's sensitivity to insulin and helping your muscles use glucose for energy. However, it's essential to exercise caution and choose the right type of activity when your blood sugar is high.

Types of Exercise Suitable for High Blood Sugar

Walking: A brisk walk is often the best option, as it's low-impact and can be easily adjusted to your fitness level.
Light housework: Simple chores like vacuuming or gardening can also help.
Avoid intense exercise: High-intensity workouts can sometimes cause a temporary increase in blood sugar levels due to the release of stress hormones.

Precautions to Take Before Exercising

Before starting any physical activity when your blood sugar is high:

Check for ketones: If you have type 1 diabetes and your blood sugar is consistently above 250 mg/dL, check your urine for ketones. Exercising when you have ketones can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious condition.
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise.
Monitor your blood sugar: Check your blood sugar before and after exercise to see how your body responds.

When to Avoid Exercise

It's generally best to avoid exercise if:

Your blood sugar is very high (e.g., above 300 mg/dL).
You have ketones in your urine (for people with type 1 diabetes).
You feel unwell or have any symptoms of DKA (e.g., nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain).

If you're unsure whether it's safe to exercise, consult your healthcare provider.

Step 5: Recheck Your Blood Sugar Regularly

After taking corrective measures, such as administering insulin, drinking water, or engaging in light exercise, it's important to recheck your blood sugar at regular intervals to monitor your progress.

How Often to Recheck

Initial recheck: Check your blood sugar approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour after taking action.
Subsequent rechecks: If your blood sugar is still high, continue to check it every 1-2 hours until it returns to your target range.
Overnight monitoring: If your blood sugar was high in the evening, consider checking it once during the night to ensure it's coming down and doesn't drop too low.

Documenting Your Readings

Keep a record of your blood sugar readings, along with the time, any actions you took (e.g., insulin dose, water intake, exercise), and any symptoms you experienced. This information can help you identify patterns and adjust your management strategies.

When to Seek Medical Assistance

Despite your best efforts, there may be times when your blood sugar remains persistently high, or you experience concerning symptoms. Seek immediate medical attention if: When Is Low Blood Sugar An Emergency Recognizing Severe Hypoglycemia

Your blood sugar stays above 300 mg/dL for an extended period, even after taking corrective measures.
You have symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, and fruity-smelling breath.
You feel confused, disoriented, or are unable to stay hydrated.

Prompt medical intervention can prevent serious complications and ensure your blood sugar is brought under control safely.

Step 6: Identify and Address the Cause

Understanding why your blood sugar is high is crucial for preventing future episodes. Reflect on recent events and lifestyle factors to pinpoint potential triggers.

Common Causes of High Blood Sugar

Dietary factors:
- Eating too many carbohydrates, especially refined carbs like white bread, pasta, and sugary drinks.
- Skipping meals, which can lead to rebound hyperglycemia.
- Consuming larger-than-usual portions.
Missed or incorrect medication dosage:
- Forgetting to take your insulin or oral diabetes medication.
- Taking the wrong dose of medication.
- Expired or improperly stored medication.
Illness or infection:
- Infections and illnesses can cause stress hormones to rise, which can increase blood sugar levels.
- Certain medications, like steroids, can also elevate blood sugar.
Stress:
- Physical or emotional stress can trigger the release of hormones that raise blood sugar.
Dehydration:
- Not drinking enough water can concentrate glucose in the blood, leading to higher readings.
Inactivity:
- Lack of physical activity can decrease insulin sensitivity, making it harder for your body to use glucose effectively.
Hormonal changes:
- Women may experience fluctuations in blood sugar levels during menstruation or menopause.

Strategies for Identifying Triggers

Keep a food diary: Record everything you eat and drink, along with portion sizes, to identify potential dietary culprits.
Monitor blood sugar patterns: Track your blood sugar levels at different times of the day to see how they respond to various factors.
Note any illnesses or stressors: Keep a log of any illnesses, infections, or stressful events that coincide with high blood sugar readings.
Review medication regimen: Ensure you're taking your medications as prescribed and that they haven't expired.

By identifying and addressing the underlying causes of your high blood sugar, you can develop strategies to prevent future episodes and maintain better control over your diabetes.

Step 7: Develop a Proactive Management Plan with Your Healthcare Provider

Managing high blood sugar effectively is an ongoing process that requires a collaborative approach between you and your healthcare provider. Developing a personalized management plan can help you stay on track and prevent future episodes of hyperglycemia.

Key Components of a Proactive Management Plan

Blood sugar targets: Work with your doctor to establish individualized blood sugar targets based on your health status, age, and lifestyle.
Medication management: Review your medication regimen regularly to ensure you're taking the correct dosages at the right times.
Meal planning: Develop a meal plan that emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods and limits refined carbohydrates and sugary drinks.
Exercise routine: Create a consistent exercise routine that includes both aerobic activity and strength training.
Stress management: Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
Sick-day plan: Develop a plan for managing your blood sugar when you're sick or have an infection.
Regular check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your plan.

The Importance of Diabetes Education

Consider enrolling in a diabetes education program to learn more about managing your condition effectively. Certified Diabetes Educators (CDEs) can provide valuable guidance on topics such as:

Blood sugar monitoring techniques
Insulin administration
Carbohydrate counting
Healthy eating habits
Exercise planning
Coping with stress

Staying Informed and Engaged

Stay informed about the latest advances in diabetes care and management by:

Reading reputable sources of information, such as the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
Attending diabetes conferences and workshops.
Joining online support groups and communities.

By taking an active role in your diabetes management and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can improve your blood sugar control and reduce your risk of long-term complications.