Description
Managing your diabetes better, depends upon you and your caregivers ability to recognize your bodies reaction to changing blood sugar levels. Early signs of high blood sugar is nature’s way of alerting you and your caregiver that something is wrong. Depending on the type of diabetes and treatment, signs of high blood sugar may be present for some time, may gradually worsen or may rapidly escalate into true emergencies.

Early Signs of HIGH Blood Sugar:

• Trembling
• Cold sweat
• Irritability
• Light-headedness
• Tingling in various parts of your body (including lips)
• Constant food cravings
• Headache 

Worsening Signs of HIGH Blood Sugar:

• Chronic fatigue
• Disorientation/Confusion
• Continuation or worsening or early signs noted above

Get medical help immediately for:

• Seizures
• Unconsciousness

Important Points to Consider:

• See a healthcare provider regularly making sure that the treatment plan is clearly understood.
• Follow/provide the diet as recommended by your health care provider, remembering that an adjustment in diabetic medications may be necessary when food consumption declines or if nausea/vomiting occurs.
• Patient and Caregiver education and participation is essential as extreme high or high blood sugar may result in confusion or loss of consciousness.
• Keep a list of common signs/symptoms of high blood sugar for immediate reference.
• Wear a Diabetic Medical Alert Bracelet.
• Test blood sugar with finger stick and keep a log (including how long before or after eating) as directed by the health care provider or if symptoms of high blood sugar are present.
• Extreme high blood sugars can result in medical emergencies. Call 911.
• Better regulation of blood sugars and avoiding extreme highs will improve your overall health.

Related topics

Managing Diabetes: Recognizing low blood sugars