How to deal with High Blood Sugar

High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, is a condition in which the concentration of glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream is elevated above the normal range. Glucose is a primary source of energy for the cells in your body, and it comes from the foods you eat. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps regulate blood sugar levels by allowing glucose to enter your cells, where it can be used for energy or stored for later use.

When blood sugar levels rise significantly and remain elevated for an extended period, it can lead to various health problems, especially in individuals with diabetes. High blood sugar can occur for several reasons, including:

The symptoms of high blood sugar can vary in severity and may include:

·         Excessive thirst (polydipsia)

·         Frequent urination (polyuria)

·         Fatigue

·         Blurred vision

·         Dry mouth

·         Increased hunger (polyphagia)

·         Slow healing of wounds

·         Recurrent infections

If your blood sugar level is consistently 175 in the morning despite taking insulin, it's essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to identify the underlying causes and make appropriate adjustments to your diabetes management plan. Here are some steps you can consider:

1.    Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider, preferably a diabetes specialist (endocrinologist), to discuss your morning high blood sugar levels. They will review your current treatment plan and help you make necessary adjustments.

2.    Review Your Insulin Dosage: Your insulin dosage may need to be modified. Your healthcare provider will assess whether your current dose is adequate or if it needs to be increased or adjusted in any way.

3.    Check Injection Technique: Ensure that you are injecting your Lantus insulin correctly. Proper injection technique can affect insulin absorption. Your healthcare provider or diabetes educator can review this with you if necessary.

4.    Dietary Evaluation: Review your diet and meal patterns with a registered dietitian or nutritionist. They can help you make adjustments to your meal plan to better control morning blood sugar levels. Monitoring carbohydrate intake and meal timing can be crucial.

5.    Blood Sugar Monitoring: Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels, especially before bedtime and upon waking. This will help identify patterns and assist your healthcare provider in making treatment decisions.

6.    Consider Additional Medications: Depending on your specific circumstances, your healthcare provider may recommend adding other diabetes medications, such as a short-acting insulin or an oral medication, to help control morning blood sugar levels.

7.    Evaluate Lifestyle Factors: Assess lifestyle factors that may impact your blood sugar levels, such as stress, sleep patterns, and physical activity. Make changes where needed to promote better blood sugar control.

8.    Timing of Insulin Injection: Discuss with your healthcare provider whether adjusting the timing of your Insulin injection may help achieve better control of your morning blood sugar levels.

9.    Hypoglycemia Awareness: Be cautious about hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) during the night, as this can sometimes lead to a rebound effect with elevated blood sugar levels in the morning. Monitor your nighttime blood sugar levels and discuss any episodes of hypoglycemia with your healthcare provider.

Regular Follow-Up: Maintain regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to track progress, make necessary adjustments, and address any concerns.

Remember that diabetes management is complex and highly individualized. It may take some time and experimentation to find the right combination of insulin, diet, and lifestyle adjustments that work for you. Be patient, keep detailed records of your blood sugar levels and daily activities, and collaborate closely with your healthcare team to achieve better control of your morning blood sugar levels.