High Blood Sugar:
What You Need to Know
This brochure can help you learn more about high blood
sugar. It doesn’t replace regular medical check-ups or your
health care provider’s advice. Talk with your health care
provider about what your blood sugar should be.
High Blood Sugar
INTRODUCTION
Prediabetes—sometimes called high blood sugar—and type 2 diabetes are common. There are 26 million
people living with type 2 diabetes today. Another two million people will learn that they have it every year. Type
2 diabetes can be serious. If it‘s not treated, it can lead to heart, nerve, and kidney disease. The good news is
that it can be controlled.
WHAT IS HIGH BLOOD SUGAR?
When you eat, your body turns the food into sugar (glucose). The body uses insulin to turn the sugar into
energy. Insulin is a hormone that you make. It helps keep your blood sugar at a normal level.
Insulin takes the sugar from the blood
to the cells:
Without insulin, the sugar from the foods stays in
the blood. This makes your blood sugar too high:
Prediabetes is a condition in which your blood sugar level is higher than normal but not high enough to be type
2 diabetes. This condition puts you at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. When you have type 2 diabetes, the
body does not make enough insulin or does not use it in the right way.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR PREDIABETES OR TYPE 2 DIABETES?
You may have a greater chance of getting prediabetes or type 2 diabetes if you:
 Are overweight
 Are 45 years old or older
 Don’t get enough exercise
 Have a parent, brother, or sister
with type 2 diabetes
 Are African American, American
Indian, Asian American, Pacific
Islander, or Latino
 Have high blood sugar levels
 Have high blood pressure
1
 Have high cholesterol (lipid)
levels
 Had type 2 diabetes when
you were pregnant
(“gestational diabetes”) or
gave birth to a baby that
weighed more than 9
pounds
 Have polycystic ovarian
disease
 Have blood vessel problems
affecting the heart, brain,
or legs
How Do You Know If You Have Prediabetes or Type 2 Diabetes?
It can be hard to tell whether you have type 2 diabetes. As many as one out of four people who have type 2 diabetes don’t
even know it! That’s because the symptoms can seem harmless. If you have any risk factors talk with your health care
team. There is a simple blood test you can have done to check. The test will tell you if your blood sugar is too high. Your
health care provider may perform one of the following:
Test
Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG)
This is a simple blood test taken after you have not had
anything to eat or drink for at least 8 hours (except for
water).
The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
This blood test is taken before and 2 hours after you
have been given a special glucose beverage to drink.
The A1C Blood Test
This test is taken to see the average amount of sugar
in your blood over time.
Result
• Less than 100 mg/dl is normal
• 100-125 mg/dl is high blood sugar or prediabetes
• 126 or higher is considered type 2 diabetes
• Less than 140 mg/dl is normal
• 140-199 mg/dl is high blood sugar or prediabetes
• 200 or higher is type 2 diabetes
• Less than 5.7% is normal
• 5.7-6.4% is high blood sugar or prediabetes
• 6.5% or higher is type 2 diabetes
What are the Complications of Type 2 Diabetes?
High blood sugar levels in your blood can cause problems over time. High
blood sugar can cause heart and blood vessel disease, which can lead to
heart attacks and strokes. It can also cause damage to the eyes and can lead
to blindness. Additionally, nerve damage may occur and poor blood flow may
lead to foot problems and even amputations.
You can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes
problems by keeping your blood sugar,
blood pressure, and cholesterol under
control.
2
What If Your Blood Sugar is Too High?
Blood sugar level can increase when:
It’s important to know the signs of high blood
sugar. A person with high blood sugar may:
 Be very thirsty or hungry a lot
 You are sick―you have a cold, an
infection, the flu, or any other illness
 Feel very tired and worn out
 You are stressed
 Have to urinate a lot
 You eat more than you
planned
 Have blurry eyesight
 You exercised less than
you planned
 Lose weight (without trying)
 Feel shaky
Checking Your Blood Sugar Levels
Your blood sugar levels can be checked using a small
machine. This machine is called a glucose monitor. It
can be used to check your blood sugar levels at any
time. It can help you to be aware of how physical
activity, food, or your medicine is affecting your blood
sugar levels. You can then use that information to
make choices on how much medicine to take, foods
to eat, or level of exercise. There are many monitors
available. Your health care team can help you decide
which one is best for you. Always take your monitor
and blood sugar logs with you when you see your
health care provider.
Keep a log of:
 Your blood sugar readings
 What you ate
 What you did that day
 How much medicine you took
Treating High Blood Sugar
The main goal for treating high blood sugar is good blood sugar control. Your health care provider will
suggest a range that is good for you. Keep your blood sugar level as close to your target range as
possible. This will help keep you healthy.
The American
Diabetes Association
suggests
3
If you check your
blood sugar level:
Before a meal
After a meal
Your blood sugar
should be:
70-130 mg/dl
Less than 180 mg/dl
What If Your Blood Sugar is Too Low?
Things that can make your blood sugar too low:
Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia (HY-poh-glySEE-mee-uh) can happen to anyone. It is
important to know the signs of low blood sugar.
You also need to know how to treat it. Check your
blood sugar level to see if it is low.
Symptoms of
low blood
sugar can be
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Shakiness
Dizziness
Sweating
Hunger
Headache
Pale skin color
You take too much high blood sugar medicines
Too much exercise
Skipping a meal or eating less than normal
Drinking too much alcohol
• Sudden moodiness or behavior changes,
such as anger, stubbornness, or sadness for
no reason
• Clumsy or jerky movements
• Seizure
• Hard time being focused, or confusion
• Tingling feeling around the mouth
The quickest way to treat low blood sugar
is to eat something with sugar. Many
people with high blood sugar carry glucose
(sugar) tablets. You can get glucose tablets
from any pharmacy or general store.
Other sources of sugar can also work well to
treat low blood sugar. Eat at least 15-20
grams of sugars or carbohydrates. A food's
nutrition label can tell you how much
carbohydrates it has.
Some foods with 15 grams carbohydrates:
•
•
•
•
•
4 oz. (1/2 cup) of juice or regular soda
2 tablespoons of raisins
4 or 5 saltine crackers
4 teaspoons of sugar
1 tablespoon of honey or corn syrup
Tell your health care provider if you have low blood sugar often,
especially at the same time of the day or night several times in a row.
Action Steps If You Use Insulin
• Tell your health care provider if you've
passed out from low blood sugar.
• Ask your health care provider about
glucagon. Glucagon is a medicine that
raises blood glucose. If you pass out from
low blood sugar, someone should call 911
and those who have been trained on how
to administer glucagon should give you a
glucagon shot.
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Action Steps If You DO NOT
Use Insulin
• Be sure to tell your health care
provider about other medicines
you are taking.
• Some diabetes pills can cause
low blood sugar. Ask your
health care provider whether
your pills can cause low blood
sugar.
What Can You Do to Stay Healthy If You Have High Blood Sugar?
Watch your weight
 Eat foods that are lower in fat such as low-fat dairy products,
lean meats, fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans.
 Lose weight slowly if you are overweight. Lose about 1 to 2
pounds a week. Be sure to talk with your health care provider
about a weight goal that is right for you.
Reaching Your “ABC” Goals
Make a meal plan that works
The foods you eat will affect your blood sugar level. Foods that have
natural or added sugar or starch (carbohydrates) will make your blood
sugar levels higher than foods that are made of protein or fat. Skipping
meals is a not a good idea. This is especially true if you are taking
medicines for your high blood sugar. People with high blood sugar
don’t need to eat special foods. The foods on your meal plan are good
for everyone in your family.
 Eat healthy foods. Find out what a good diet includes.
 Work with a dietitian to come up with a meal plan that
keeps your blood sugar under control.
Be physically active
 Be active 30 to 60 minutes most days.
 Take a walk most days of the week. Start out slowly and build up to
at least half an hour.
 Sign up for an exercise or swimming class. Ask a friend to go with
you.
 Always check with your health care provider before starting any new
exercise program. If you have eye problems, talk with your health
care provider about how to stay active without hurting your eyes.
If you smoke―quit
 Smoking can increase blood sugar levels.
 Ask your health care provider for ideas that can help you quit.
A stands for the A1C test—a
measure of what your blood sugar
has been for the last three months.
B is for blood pressure—Keep
your blood pressure under control.
If it is too high, ask your health
care provider if you should change
what you eat, exercise more, or
take medicine.
C is for cholesterol—keep your
cholesterol under control. Eat
foods that are low in fat and high
in fiber such as beans, fruits,
vegetables, and grains. If your
cholesterol is too high, talk to your
doctor.
Take your medicines
 Take your medicines or insulin the right way, each day, as your health care provider prescribed.
 Keep taking your medicines unless your health care provider tells you to stop.
Check your blood sugar




Ask your health care provider about how often you should check your blood sugar with a blood glucose meter.
Write down your blood sugar results.
Follow the treatment plan you and your health care provider decide on.
Ask you health care provider what you should do if your blood sugar goes too low or too high.
5
Things You Can Do to Make Sure You Take Your Medicine Every Day
 Type 2 diabetes medicine should be taken as directed by your
health care provider. Make sure to eat on time if you are taking
medicine to lower your blood sugar.
 Write it down. Make a wall chart with the names of your
medicines, the dose, and the time of day you need to take them.
 Get a pillbox. It should have the days of the week and times of
day. You can get these boxes from your pharmacy or local
grocery store. Fill the box at the beginning of the week to help you
keep track. Ask a friend or family member to check the box so
that you know each medicine is in the right place.
 Set an alarm on your clock or cell phone to remind you if a
medicine has to be taken at a certain time.
 Ask for help. Tell family and friends about your medicine
schedule so they can remind you.
 Set a daily routine. Combine taking your medicines with
something you do at regular times. For example, when you brush
your teeth, eat breakfast or dinner. This way, taking your
medicines at the right time can become a good habit.
 Take it with you. Remember to take your medicines with you
when you are away from home. Bring enough medicines with you
when you go on trips. Always put them in your carry-on luggage.
 Refill your prescriptions on time. Reorder your prescriptions
ahead of time to make sure that you never run out.
Tips for Taking Insulin
 Inject your insulin as directed by your health care
provider.
 The place on your body where you inject insulin
affects your glucose level. Shots work fastest when
they are given in the abdomen, a little slower in the
upper arms, and more slowly when given in the
thighs or buttocks.
 Don't inject the insulin in exactly the same place
each time, but move around the same area. This is
called site rotation.
 To get the steadiest glucose results, each
mealtime injection of insulin should be given in the
same general area. For example, give your beforebreakfast insulin in the abdomen every day and
your before-lunch insulin in the thigh every day.
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 Be sure to keep your needle capped and clean. Do
not let it touch anything but your skin and the top of
the insulin vial.
 Your current bottle of insulin can be stored at room
temperature to make injections less painful, but
extra vials of insulin should be kept in the
refrigerator.
 Never share your needle or use someone else's
needle or syringe.
 Dispose of used needles in safe containers made
of heavy plastic or metal, such as empty detergent
or bleach bottles. Check medical waste
requirements in your area.
Giving Foot Problems a Swift Kick
You can use these tips to help prevent foot problems:
 Check your feet every day. Use a mirror to look at the
bottom of your feet. Look for changes in your skin, toes,
and toenails (for example, blister, discoloration, redness).
 Wash your feet every day. Use warm water and mild
soap. Dry your feet well, especially between the toes.
 Moisten dry skin with lotion after you wash and dry
your feet. Do not apply lotion between your toes. Ask
your health care provider to suggest a lotion that is right
for your skin.
 Wear shoes and socks at all times. Do not walk
barefoot, even at home.
 Keep the blood flowing to your feet. Raise them up
when you sit. Wiggle your toes and move your feet
several times a day. Do not cross your legs for long
periods of time.
 Take your shoes and sock off when you see a doctor.
 Be sure to ask your health care provider to check your
feet during each visit.
 Talk to your health care provider if you have foot or leg
pain, numbness or tingling.
 If you notice a foot problem that gets worse or sores that
do not heal, call your health care provider right away.
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Tests To Remember
If you have type 2 diabetes, there are tests you will need to take. Here’s a list of some of the more important ones. You
can see how often you should have the tests. Use this page to write down your results. Talk to your health care
provider about what goals are right for you.
A1C
Test
Blood Pressure
Cholesterol
How Often
Every 3 months
Goala b
A test that measures
blood sugar levels over
the past 2 to 3 months.
Less than 7% .
Date/
Result
Date/
Result
Date/
Result
Every routine visit Less than 140-130/80
mm/Hg.
At least every
LDL: less than 100 mg/dl.
year
HDL: higher than 40
mg/dl for men, higher
than 50 mg/dl for women.
Triglycerides: less than
150 mg/dl.
Microalbuminuria
(my-crow-al-byoominyou-REE-ah)
Every year
Urine test for kidney
problems. Normal
reading: less than 30
μg/mg creatinine.
Eye Exam
Every year
Prevent or delay eye
problems related to high
blood sugar.
Foot Exam
Every visit
Done at home and by the
doctor to prevent serious
foot problems. Take your
shoes and socks off.
Oral Exam
Dental checkup
at least every 6
months
Prevent high blood sugar
related gum and other
problems.
Flu Shot
Every year before There are different flu
vaccines available. Talk
flu season
with your provider about
which one is best for you.
Pneumonia Shot
1 or 2 doses
Talk to your doctor about
what’s best for you.
a Based on American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association recommendations
b The target number for A1C may vary, depending on the type of test your healthcare provider’s laboratory uses
8
Date/
Result
High Blood Sugar: What You Need to Know
What is type 2 diabetes?
“I knew high blood sugar and
diabetes ran in my family, but I
never thought I could have it too.”
When you have type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough
insulin. In most cases, it does not use insulin the right way. Without
insulin, the sugar from the foods you eat stays in your bloodstream
and does not go into your cells. This makes your blood sugar high.
What is prediabetes?
Prediabetes occurs when your blood sugar levels are higher than
normal, but not high enough to have type 2 diabetes. Many people with
prediabetes develop type 2 diabetes.
Too much sugar in your blood can damage different
parts of your body.
 Eyes: Poor vision including glaucoma and cataracts
 Nerves: Loss of feeling in fingers and feet―can’t
feel injuries
 Feet: Impaired circulation may lead to loss of toes,
feet, or legs
 Heart: Heart attack, heart failure
 Kidneys: Kidney failure
 Sex organs: Infections in women and erectile
dysfunction in men
 Mouth: Gum disease
 Brain: Stroke
A person with high blood sugar may:
Could you have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes?
You may have a greater chance of getting type 2 diabetes or
prediabetes if you:
 Have a parent, brother, or sister with it.
 Are African American, American Indian, Asian
American, Pacific Islander, or Latino.
 Are a woman who gave birth to at least one baby
weighing 9 or more pounds, or you had diabetes
when you were pregnant.
 Have been told you have high blood pressure or if
your blood pressure is 140/90 or higher.
 Have high cholesterol.
 Are not physically active.
 Are overweight.
 Are 45 years old or older.








Be very thirsty or hungry a lot
Feel very tired and worn out
Have to urinate a lot especially at night
Have blurry eyesight
Lose weight (without trying)
Have cuts/bruises that are slow to heal,
Have tingling/numbness in the hands/feet,
Have recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections
Even if you don’t have any of these signs, you
still may have type 2 diabetes.
How can you tell if you have type 2 diabetes?
As many as 1 out of 4 people who have type 2
diabetes don’t even know it! That’s because the
symptoms can seem harmless. If you have any of
the type 2 diabetes risk factors or symptoms, talk
with your health care provider. There is a simple
blood test you can have done. The test will tell
you if your blood sugar is too high.
Take steps today to stay healthy


 Get a blood sugar test if you have any of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
 You can keep from having problems from type 2 diabetes by taking good care of yourself.
9
Action Plan for High Blood Sugar

Check off items from the list below that you will be able to change or improve. Or you can write in your own action items.
Watch your weight.
 Eat foods that are lower in fat such as: low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains,
and beans.
 Lose weight slowly if you are overweight. Lose about 1 to 2 pounds a week. Be sure to talk with your health care
provider about a weight goal that’s right for you.
Take your medicines.
 Take your medications or insulin the right way, each day, as your health care provider prescribed.
 Keep taking your medications unless your health care provider tells you to stop.
Get moving each day.
 Take a walk most days of the week. Start out slowly and build up to at least
half an hour.
 Sign up for an exercise or swimming class. Ask a friend to go with you.
 Always check with your health care provider before starting any new exercise
program. If you have eye problems, talk with your health care provider about
how to stay active without hurting your eyes.
Make a meal plan that works.
 Eat healthy foods. Find out what a good diet includes.
“There was no way around it —
I needed to lose weight. My
husband and I skipped cake for
dessert and ate fresh fruit instead.
We even started dance lessons.
Now I have more energy!”
 Work with a dietitian to come up with a meal plan that keeps your
blood sugar under control.
Check your blood sugar.
 Ask your health care provider how often you need to check your blood
sugar with a blood glucose meter.
 Write down your blood sugar results.
 Follow the treatment plan you and your health care provider decide upon.
 Ask your health care provider what you need to do if your blood sugar goes too low or too high.
Other
Reasons to reach your goal.
Did you know...? Two-thirds of
people with type 2 diabetes
2. What will you do to make these changes? _______________________________________________
die of some form of heart or
blood vessel disease. Close to
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
27 million people in the United
States have type 2 diabetes.
 Yes
1. Are the items that you have chosen achievable?
 No
3. When will you make these changes? ____________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
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NPC612503-01 ©2013 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in USA/November 2013