Controlling Blood Sugars In Diabetes - Helen DeVos Children's ...

If your blood sugar is high:1. Drink more water.2. Test your blood sugar 4 or more times a day and look for trends.3. Test for ketones when blood sugars are over 240 or during illness. You want toavoid keto-acidosis. This may occur when blood sugars are high, and ketonesare present. The symptoms of high blood sugar get worse and you may alsodevelop:• Stomachache, Nausea, Vomiting• Hard, fast breathing, breath smells sweet• Increasing drowsinessExtra insulin and sugar free liquids will be needed. Call the doctor on call forhelp (see below)4. Problem Solve - try to determine why blood sugar is high and treat the cause.Possible Causes of High Blood SugarToo much food (carbohydrates)Less activityNot enough diabetes medicineStress/Illness/InfectionGrowth spurt/Adolescence5. Contact us:What To DoCount carbs carefullyBe more active. Do notexercise if ketones are present.Take insulin/medications asdirected. You may need achange in the dose, or timingof medicine.Refer to handout “Sick DayRules”More medicine/insulin may beneeded, watch blood sugarsfor trends.• Call the emergency number, 391-1774, and ask for the pediatric diabeteson call staff if any vomiting or ketones present• Call the Diabetes Educator's desk at (616) 391-3933 ifblood sugar patterns are outside of goal ranges forseveral days despite your efforts.Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)Happens Suddenly!• Hard to concentrate or think clearly• Grouchy, irritable• Shaky, nervous, sweaty• Weak, dizzy, sleepy, poor coordination• Hunger• Pale skin• Restless sleepDo Not Ignore! You could become confused or even pass out!Do This Now:1. Test blood sugar if you can.2. Do a “15/15 Fix” (Take 15 grams carbohydrate and wait 15 minutes):Take 15 grams of carbohydrate now if blood sugar is:• less than 70 or 70 - 80 with symptoms, or• less than 100 before bed or during night, or• you feel low, but can’t testExamples of 15 grams of carbohydrate:• 3-4 glucose tablets• 4 oz. fruit juice or regular pop• 5 Mentos, or 4 Starbursts, or check nutrition label onother soft candies of fruit snacks• 1 cup (8 oz.) no fat milk or gatoradeNote:• Don't use chocolate or high fat foods to treat low sugar as the fat slowssugar absorption.• If blood sugar is under 50 double the treatment to take 30 grams ofcarbohydrate (do not use milk)• Do not take insulin for carbohydrates that are used :• to treat a low blood sugar, or• as snacks for exercise to prevent low blood sugar.• If too drowsy to swallow, do not put anything in mouth. Give GlucagonInjection or call 911 right away! (Refer to "How to Treat a Child WithSevere Low Blood Sugar In Diabetes" instruction sheet)X01412 (©3/09) - (Spanish X09756)Pediatric EndocrinologyMichael A. Wood, MD Daniel C. Postellon, MD Bruce E. Wilson, MD A. Pinar Cemeroglu, MD Michael S. Racine, MDGrand Rapids MI 49503 616 391 3933 fax 391 6240 devoschildrens.orgApproved for distribution by Spectrum Health Patient Education Council