When Highs Need Attention Now

One high reading can have many causes, like a bigger meal. A high that lasts is different, like a heat wave, not one hot day.

If it stays above 250 mg/dL (13.9 mmol/L) for several hours, call your care team. Several hours means a few hours in a row, not one check.

This applies even when you are following your plan. Your doctor sets your own numbers.

A dark blood sugar meter with a test strip and a red drop sits beside three actions in tiles: a written plan with ticked boxes titled Follow your plan, a phone with a care team member on the screen titled Call your team, and an ambulance titled ER or call 911. In each state the meter screen reads High, a note under the meter gives the reason, and an arrow runs from the meter to one action, which lifts and takes a colour while the others fade back. One high reading, like after a bigger meal, goes to Follow your plan. Above 250 mg/dL (13.9 mmol/L) for several hours, with a clock on the meter, goes to Call your team. 300 mg/dL (16.7 mmol/L) or higher with vomiting or confusion, with a warning sign on the meter, goes to ER or call 911.

Call your care team right away for vomiting or not keeping fluids down.

Extreme thirst that water does not ease also needs a prompt call. Confusion, unusual drowsiness or trouble breathing can signal a serious problem.

A reading of 300 mg/dL (16.7 mmol/L) or higher is more serious (sources differ). Watch for vomiting, confusion, trouble breathing or fluids that will not stay down. With any of these, go to the ER or call 911.

When a high worries you, use this order. First, look for urgent signs. Second, check your reading and note the time. Third, follow your written plan or call your care team.

Key takeaways

• A high that stays above 250 mg/dL (13.9 mmol/L) for several hours is a reason to call your care team.
• Vomiting, trouble keeping fluids down, extreme thirst, confusion and drowsiness need prompt help.
• Your doctor's written high instructions are the plan you follow.

Try it

Find your care team's after hours number and save it in your phone today.