Recap of symptoms
A little advance preparation should ensure that you feel confident about managing your blood glucose levels and staying well when you’re on holiday. Just bear in mind that many factors can affect your blood glucose, such as changes in your level of activity, stress or anxiety, different climates or altitude, and food you’re not used to eating regularly.
The following table lists some common causes and symptoms of high and low blood glucose, and summarises how best to treat each one:
| High blood glucose (more than >9mmol/L) | Low blood glucose (less than <4mmol/L) | |
|---|---|---|
| Causes | Too much sugary or starchy food Not using as much energy as usual Stress or anxiety Illness or infection Poor injection technique/overuse of injection site Other medication – particularly steroids High altitude Menstrual cycle – often before or during a period | Taking too much insulin Not eating enough carbs Increased activity or exercise Alcohol, particularly on an empty stomach Stress or anxiety Hot weather Injecting warm insulin High altitude Menstrual cycle – often after a period |
| High blood glucose (more than >9mmol/L) | Low blood glucose (less than <4mmol/L) | |
| Early/mild symptoms | Thirst Dry mouth Frequent urination Tiredness Irritability Blurred vision | Sweating Paleness Trembling Feeling light-headed or faint Difficulty concentrating Headache Hunger Tingling of lips/tongue |
| High blood glucose (more than >9mmol/L) | Low blood glucose (less than <4mmol/L) | |
| Moderate/severe symptoms | Stomach pains Feeling sick or nauseous Vomiting Drowsiness | Mood changes – irritability/aggression Visual disturbances Confusion Acting as though you’re drunk Inappropriate behaviour – rudeness/laughing Severe drowsiness Unconsciousness Seizures |
| High blood glucose (more than >9mmol/L) | Low blood glucose (less than <4mmol/L) | |
| Treatment | Drink plenty of water Test blood glucose at and between meals Take fast-acting insulin – particularly if ketones are higher than>0.6 Don’t exercise (if BG more than 13mmol/L) Follow sick day guidance (if unwell) Drink sugary drinks if you are unwell and can’t eat Test ketones if vomiting or if blood glucose is higher than >15mmol/L Urgent medical attention if ketones are higher than >1.5 Urgent medical attention if ketones are higher than>0.6 with vomiting and/or abdominal pain. | Eat or drink something high in sugar, e.g. dextrosol tablets or fruit juice Eat longer-acting carb snack or next meal Administer injectable glucagon if the person is unconscious |
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