DiagnosisYour health care provider sets your target blood sugar range. For many people who have diabetes, Mayo Clinic generally recommends the following target blood sugar levels before meals: Show
For many people who have diabetes, the American Diabetes Association generally recommends the following target blood sugar levels:
Your target blood sugar range may differ, especially if you're pregnant or you have other health problems that are caused by diabetes. Your target blood sugar range may change as you get older. Sometimes, reaching your target blood sugar range can be a challenge. Home blood sugar monitoringRoutine blood sugar monitoring with a blood glucose meter is the best way to be sure that your treatment plan is keeping your blood sugar within your target range. Check your blood sugar as often as your health care provider recommends. If you have any symptoms of severe hyperglycemia — even if they seem minor — check your blood sugar level right away. If your blood sugar level is 240 mg/dL (13.3 mmol/L) or above, use an over-the-counter urine ketones test kit. If the urine test is positive, your body may have started making the changes that can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. Talk to your health care provider about how to lower your blood sugar level safely. Hemoglobin A1C testDuring an appointment, your health care provider may conduct an A1C test. This blood test shows your average blood sugar level for the past 2 to 3 months. It works by measuring the percentage of blood sugar attached to the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, called hemoglobin. An A1C level of 7% or less means that your treatment plan is working and that your blood sugar was consistently within a healthy range. If your A1C level is higher than 7%, your blood sugar, on average, was above a healthy range. In this case, your health care provider may recommend a change in your diabetes treatment plan. For some people, especially older adults and those with certain medical conditions, a higher A1C level of 8% or more may be appropriate. How often you need the A1C test depends on the type of diabetes you have and how well you're managing your blood sugar. Most people with diabetes receive this test 2 to 4 times a year. TreatmentHome treatmentTalk to your health care provider about managing your blood sugar. Understand how different treatments can help keep your glucose levels within your target range. Your health care provider may suggest the following:
Emergency treatment for severe hyperglycemiaIf you have signs and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, you may be treated in the emergency room or admitted to the hospital. (4p4) Emergency treatment can lower your blood sugar to a normal range. Treatment usually includes:
As your body returns to normal, your health care provider will consider what may have triggered the severe hyperglycemia. Depending on the circumstances, you may need additional tests and treatment. Preparing for your appointmentIf you have trouble keeping your blood sugar within your target range, schedule an appointment to see your health care provider. Your provider can help you make changes to better manage your diabetes. Here's information to help you get ready for your appointment and know what to expect from your health care provider. What you can do
For hyperglycemia, questions you may want to ask include:
Sick-day planningIllness or infections can cause your blood sugar to rise, so it's important to plan for these situations. Talk to your health care provider about creating a sick-day plan. Questions to ask include:
Aug. 20, 2022 How do I bring my blood sugar down quickly?When your blood sugar level gets too high — known as hyperglycemia or high blood glucose — the quickest way to reduce it is to take fast-acting insulin. Exercising is another fast, effective way to lower blood sugar.. whole grains.. fruits.. vegetables.. lean proteins.. What foods can lower blood sugar quickly?The 17 Best Foods to Lower (or Regulate) Your Blood Sugar. Broccoli and broccoli sprouts. Sulforaphane is a type of isothiocyanate that has blood-sugar-reducing properties. ... . Seafood. ... . Pumpkin and pumpkin seeds. ... . Nuts and nut butter. ... . Okra. ... . Flax seeds. ... . Beans and lentils. ... . Kimchi and sauerkraut.. What happens if my blood sugar is too high?Having too much sugar in the blood for long periods of time can cause serious health problems if it's not treated. Hyperglycemia can damage the vessels that supply blood to vital organs, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, vision problems, and nerve problems.
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