Hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose) can happen when food, activity and medication
are not balanced or if you are ill. Everyone experiences high blood glucose levels
from time to time. However it may be a problem if the level is extremely high or
if it has been high for more than a few days. If you are unwell or think you have
an infection, you should contact your doctor who may prescribe medication.
How you treat your diabetes will depend on what you do to bring down your high blood
glucose level. This can differ from person to person. You may need to:
- alter what you eat
- adjust your medication and/or insulin
- increase your exercise
It is advisable to discuss with your diabetes healthcare team any changes you feel
need to be made to your treatment plan.
Diet
If you are managing your diabetes with diet alone and there is no obvious reason
for your high blood glucose level, it may be that your diabetes has moved into a
new phase. Do not be alarmed if this happens. Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition
and requires a progressive treatment plan. Speak with your diabetes healthcare team
who may decide it is time to prescribe medication.
Tablets for lowering blood glucose
Metformin is often the first type of medication prescribed. If you are already taking
tablets to control your diabetes and your blood glucose level is still high, your
diabetes may have reached the stage where more tablets are needed or insulin therapy should be considered. Speak with
your diabetes healthcare team who will be able to advise you about altering your
treatment.
Insulin therapy
If you use insulin therapy and your blood glucose level is still high, you will
need to increase your dose of insulin. You should always speak to your diabetes
healthcare team before adjusting your treatment or if you are concerned that your
current treatment is not controlling your diabetes effectively.