Mild Hyperglycemia: Symptoms and Treatment
Diabetes eTraining Slide 17
The onset of severe hyperglycemia and progression to DKA is usually pretty slow, so treating symptoms when they are mild is important.
Symptoms of Mild Hyperglycemia:
- Increased thirst
- Blurred vision
- Lack of concentration
- Weight loss
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue/sleepiness
- Increased hunger
- Flushing of skin
The important thing to remember is that intervention at this level will prevent progression to more severe symptoms.
Treatment of Mild Hyperglycemia
To prevent progression, action needs to be taken at the first signs of hyperglycemia, in accordance with the student’s ECP.
The goal in the treatment of hyperglycemia is to lower the blood glucose level to within a student’s target range.
Always follow the individual student’s HEP.
Generally, the action steps for hyperglycemia are:
- Complete a blood glucose check
- Allow use of bathroom and drink water
- Administer insulin or arrange for administration of insulin per Emergency Health Plan
- Limit physical activity
- Recheck blood glucose
- Notify parent/guardian, especially if vomiting or lethargic
The need for performance of or assistance with diabetes care tasks will vary from student to student.
Prevention of Hyperglycemia
- Check blood glucose levels regularly
- Take insulin on time with meals and physical activity
- Insure that insulin dose is accurate
- If extra snack is being served make sure insulin coverage is provided
