Nutrition

Hyper/Hypoglycemia

The body normally regulates the amount of sugar in the bloodstream. When it cannot properly control this amount, either too much (hyperglycemia) or too little (hypoglycemia) can occur. These conditions are frequently associated with Diabetes patients. The descriptions below apply to patients already diagnosed as Diabetic.

Hyperglycemia

Symptoms

Consult with your doctor if you believe any of these symptoms apply to you:

• Frequent urination
• Headache
• Increased thirst
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Tired/Weak
• Trouble breathing
• Blurred vision
• Ketones in urine (especially if Type 1)
• Muscle cramps/aches
• Dizziness

What to do

• Test blood glucose often. This should be every two hours if blood glucose is high (more than 240 mg/dl).
• If the blood glucose is more than 240 mg/dl or if you are sick, test your urine for ketones, especially if Type 1 diabetes. (See Education Tool #9)
• Drink liquids without sugar; at least 8 ounces each hour.
• Continue following your usual meal plan as closely as you can.
• Continue taking your usual insulin shot or pills. DO NOT OMIT YOUR INSULIN!
  Call your doctor or nurse if your blood glucose remains high or if you have moderate to large ketones in your urine.

Hypoglycemia

Symptoms

• Sweaty
• Grouchy
• Shaky
• Headache
• Very Hungry
• Light Headed
• Confused or not thinking clearly
• Nervous
• Heart Pounding
• Numb lips or fingers
• Weakness
• Sleepy

What to do

1.Check your blood glucose and write it down. If it is below 70 or you feel any of the above signs, take ONE of these:

• 4 glucose tablets
• 1 glucose gel (15gm)
• 1 cup of milk (skim or low-fat)
• 1/2 cup juice
• 1/2 can regular soda pop

2. Wait 15 minutes. Check your blood glucose again.

3. If your blood glucose is still below 100 or if you don’t feel better, repeat the treatment in #1.

4. When you feel better, eat a sandwich and a glass of milk or, if less than one hour before meal time, eat your meal.

5. Call your doctor if you do not feel better after 30 minutes or if your blood glucose stays low.

6. Call your doctor if this happens more than once a week.

7. If you are on Acarbose (Precose), you will need to treat hypoglycemia with glucose tablets or glucose gel. Table sugar, or fruit juice will not work.