Managing Blood Sugar

Discussion Topics Blood sugar (glucose) tests for people with diabetes. Signs, causes, and prevention of high blood sugar. Signs, causes, and management of low blood sugar.

Blood Sugar Tests There are two ways to measure blood sugar: A1C ‾Tells you how well your diabetes care plan worked over the past 2 to 3 months. ‾Helps determine the type and amount of diabetes medicine you need. ‾For many, the A1C target is below 7. ‾You need an A1C test at least twice a year. :

Blood Sugar Tests Blood sugar meter ‾Self-monitoring will help you learn what your blood sugar is at a particular moment. ‾The results tell you how well your diabetes care plan is working right now. ‾The results help you make decisions about food, activity, and medications.

Blood Sugar Tests Blood sugar meter ‾See patterns that help you and your provider adjust your care plan. ‾Many people check several times a day. ‾Many meters are available.There are even meters for people with poor or limited vision. ‾Talk to your provider about meters and when and how frequently to check your blood sugar.

High Blood Sugar For most people, the goal blood sugar before meals is between mg/dl. The goal blood sugar for 1-2 hours after meals is less than 180 mg/dl.

Signs of High Blood Sugar Dry mouth. Thirst. Frequent urination. Feeling tired. Blurred vision. Losing weight without trying.

Signs of High Blood Sugar Ketones A ketone is a substance produced when there is a shortage of insulin in the blood and the body breaks down body fat for energy. Ketones in the urine is a sign that your body is using fat for energy instead of using blood sugar, because not enough insulin is available to use the blood sugar for energy.

Causes of High Blood Sugar What makes blood sugar rise? Eating too much food. Being less active than usual. Taking too little diabetes medicine. Having an infection or illness, such as a cold or the flu. Experiencing stress. Changing hormone levels.

Preventing High Blood Sugar Try to stick with your food and activity plans. Drink water. Take your diabetes medicine at about the same time each day. Work with your health care team to set goals for weight, blood sugar, and activity. Test your blood sugar.

Low Blood Sugar In general, a blood sugar reading lower than 70 mg/dl is too low.

Signs of Low Blood Sugar Shakiness, sweating, chills and clamminess. Irritability, impatience, confusion, and stubbornness. Rapid or fast heartbeat. Lightheadedness, dizziness, and unconsciousness. Tingling or numbness in the lips or tongue. Headaches. Weakness or fatigue and lack of coordination.

Causes of Low Blood Sugar What makes blood sugar fall? Eating less food or fewer carbs than usual. Missing a meal or snack. Drinking alcoholic beverages, especially on an empty stomach. Being more active than usual.

Managing Low Blood Sugar Talk with your doctor about how to manage low blood sugar. Typically low blood sugar is treated with a fast acting sugar followed by additional blood sugar checks every 15 minutes and additional treatment as needed. Examples: 4 oz. (1/2 cup) fruit juice OR regular soda OR 4 teaspoons of sugar or honey.

Managing Low Blood Sugar Waiting to treat low blood sugar is not safe. Tell family members and people at work how to recognize when your blood sugar is low. Be specific about the signs you have of low blood sugar. Show them what to do if you can’t treat yourself. Ask your doctor if glucagon is a treatment option for you.

Managing Low Blood Sugar Try to stay close to your usual schedule of eating, activity and medicine. Always check your blood sugar before ‾Driving a vehicle. ‾Using heavy equipment. ‾Being very physically active. ‾Being active for a long time.

Managing Low Blood Sugar Be Prepared Always carry some type of carbohydrate or sugar food or drink. Wear something (like an identification bracelet) that says that you have diabetes. Carry a card in your wallet that says that you have diabetes and states whether you use medicine to treat it.

Learning About Diabetes Learn How to Manage Your Diabetes Ask your doctor for a referral to a diabetes self- management education program recognized or accredited by the American Diabetes Association or the American Association of Diabetes Educators.American Diabetes AssociationAmerican Association of Diabetes Educators

For more information, call CDC-INFO ( ) TTY , or visit To order resources, visit