Recap of symptoms

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)
CausesToo 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 symptomsThirst

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 symptomsStomach 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)
TreatmentDrink 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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