Blood Sugar Level |
| Blood Sugar Level - Normal blood Glucose
(sugar) levels are 60-110 mg/dL |
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| Hyperglycemia, also called high blood sugar,
occurs when the glucose (sugar) levels in the blood are very high (generally
>180mg/dl or above). It occurs due to inadequate insulin production,
insensitivity to insulin or due to increased food intake. Please contact
your doctor immediately, and upon his or her recommendation contact the
dietitian to address this condition. |
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| Often cancer patients may be put onto corticosteroids, such
as dexamethasone or prednisone. These drugs can cause increased blood sugar
levels in their blood. Many patients who are on steroids for their illness,
and have developed these high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), will automatically
return to normal after the medication has been stopped. |
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| Some patients may also be receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition
(TPN), through their vein (IV). The TPN solution contains a very high concentration
of glucose. In most patients the body is able to regulate the blood glucose
levels, but in some cases, while the patient is on TPN, their blood sugar
levels may be elevated. |
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| Symptoms of hyperglycemia: |
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Frequent urination |
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Increased appetite |
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Increased thirst |
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Weight loss |
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Fatigue |
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| What should a patient do when their blood glucose
levels are too high? Patients should first contact their doctor
to inform him about the high blood sugar level. Thereafter, patients must
try and follow a diet that has been planned by their dietitian even if they
only have a short-term elevation in blood sugar levels due to an infection,
or the use of steroids. The right diet can help diminish these symptoms. |
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| Hypoglycemia, also called low blood sugar,
occurs when your blood glucose (blood sugar) level drops too low to provide
enough energy for your body's activities. |
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| Symptoms of hypoglycemia include: |
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hunger |
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nervousness and unsteadiness |
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perspiration |
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dizziness or light-headedness |
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sleepiness |
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confusion |
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difficulty speaking |
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feeling anxious or weak |
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What should the patient do when their blood glucose
test result is very low. The patient must first reconfirm the test, and
then take the following preventive steps -
Have 4 oz of fruit juice or 1cup low fat milk or 1tbsp sugar (all these
foods contain 15g of simple carb which are quickly absorbed). Wait 15 min
then check sugar levels again. If still low, take another 15g of carbs.
Re-check blood sugar levels after 15 min. If they have gone up 30-50 points
then eat a small snack which has carbs and protein in it e.g. crackers with
cheese or 1/2 sandwich of Peanut butter, or a little fruit with nuts.
If the levels are extreme, contact the doctor about the low blood
sugar level immediately. |
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