Type 2 Diabetes: Blood Glucose Basics - Warfighter Wellness

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) happens when cells don’t respond normally to the hormone insulin. You may have heard someone mention they have ‘high blood glucose,’ which means insulin is not able to properly move glucose into cells to be used for energy. Individuals with T2D also have increased insulin resistance, which means your body needs more insulin to keep your glucose levels in a healthy range.

HbA1C	Fasting	After meal	Bedtime
<7%
7-8%
8-8.5%

Discuss these glucose goals with your provider.

HbA1C

If Using a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM):
“In range” is typically considered 70-130 mg/dL and the goal is to have glucoses within this range 70% or more of the time. Your provider may change this if necessary.

High Blood Glucose: Hyperglycemia

>300 mg/dL

Levels greater than 300 mg/dl are considered “very high”.

Greater than >>250 mg/dL

With levels greater than 250 mg/dl, it is recommended you avoid exercise because glucose response may increase.

Greater than >>180 mg/dL

Levels greater than 180 mg/dl are considered “high”.

High Blood Glucose is typically caused by

Increased food intake

Inactivity

Certain medications

Illness

Stress

High Blood Glucose Symptoms

You may notice you feel differently when your blood glucose is high. It is suggested to test your glucose if are experiencing:

High Blood Glucose Treatment

Drink plenty of water

Check your blood glucose frequently

Exercise or intentional movement if your levels are <240 mg/dL

Call your health care team if your levels are high for more than three days and you are unsure why.

Low Blood Glucose: Hypoglycemia

Low blood glucose is more common among those with type 1, insulin-dependent type 2, and gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy).

Low blood glucose can be thought of in ‘levels’:

Less than <70 mg/dLLevel 1

Less than<54 mg/dLLevel 2

LOWLevel 3: Emergency – any level at which you need assistance to treat.

Low Blood Glucose is typically caused by

Eating less

Being more active

Certain medications

Drinking alcohol

Lack of money to buy food

Low Blood Glucose Symptoms

Check your glucose if you notice:

Low Blood Glucose Treatment: Rule of 15

If your blood glucose is <70 mg/dL:

Consume 15g of fast carbs. Consider 3-4 glucose tabs, ½-1 tube glucose gel, 4 oz. fruit juice or non-diet soda, 1 tbsp. of honey, an applesauce pouch or dried fruit tend to have a high sugar content that can increase your blood sugars quickly.

Wait 15 minutes. Sit down and stay awake while waiting to ensure you don’t burn extra energy or overtreat. Fast carbs usually take 10-15 minutes to hit your blood stream.

Monitor your blood glucose. Recheck your blood glucose after 15 minutes and monitor if they are increasing to in range.

Repeat steps 1 and 2 if your blood sugar is still <70 mg/dL. If your blood glucose is not increasing to a safe range, eat 15 g of fast carbohydrates and wait another 15 minutes.

Extreme Low Blood Glucose

Level 3, or extreme, low blood glucose is when someone else must assist with treatment as you may not be coherent. They should not attempt to give any treatment by mouth.

If prescribed, use your glucagon. This can be a shot or a nasal spray.
These come with instructions that you (and friends/ and family) should review ahead of time.
Dial 911 immediately if you do not have a prescription.

Tell your health care provider if you have ever had a blood glucose so low that someone else needed to help you.