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I have taken care of a couple residents who had high blood glucose levels while living alone { 300-400 range } and once we tried to bring them to our " normal " range they would feel very hypoglycemic. We don't use OJ as much as more; milk and of course peanut butter and crackers work well.
How do you treat a patient who is experiencing hypoglycemic signs and symptoms, yet their glucose reading is higher...like 150mg/dL? I had a conversation with a friend who told me that individuals who normally have elevated glucose levels, say like 250, and it drops, due to not eating, and they may experience the same sort of symptoms, because this is low for them compared to their average. Do you still give them orange juice, to at least help them feel better or is there another intervention? Just curious...Thanks!:heartbeat
I had a couple of people that ran 200-250 routinely. If they had confusion or diaphoresis, a FSBS done at the time would read 90-110, which is a healthy level. I'd just have them eat regular food. I didn't try to load them down on sugar or candy. Apple juice, a health shake, or even peanut butter crackers would resolve the symptoms. If they aren't able to eat a meal for some reason, just makes sure they get their snacks.
Use the 15 rule - 15 grams of carb and then check BS again in 15 minutes. ADA does not recommend eating till you feel better because it takes time for the brain to get the signal that carbs are on board. Overeating carbs will raise BS.
The more impt thing to look at is overall control. It should NEVER be more than 180 after a meal and 130 fasting.
pagandeva2000, LPN
7,984 Posts
How do you treat a patient who is experiencing hypoglycemic signs and symptoms, yet their glucose reading is higher...like 150mg/dL? I had a conversation with a friend who told me that individuals who normally have elevated glucose levels, say like 250, and it drops, due to not eating, and they may experience the same sort of symptoms, because this is low for them compared to their average. Do you still give them orange juice, to at least help them feel better or is there another intervention? Just curious...
Thanks!:heartbeat