Type 2 diabetes and high blood sugar

Glucose may rise after illness, infection, stress, reduced activity, missed medicine, steroid treatment or changes in eating. Some people notice no symptoms, while others develop dry mouth, thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, headache or blurred vision. A single reading needs to be interpreted alongside your usual pattern and the advice from your diabetes team.

Very high glucose can lead to fluid loss and serious illness, especially when vomiting, infection or dehydration is present. Cellulitis can be an infection requiring prompt attention; redness, warmth, swelling or pain should not be ignored.

Check your glucose as directed, record the result and follow your written sick-day plan. Sip suitable fluids unless a clinician has restricted your intake, take prescribed medicines as instructed, and never take an extra dose without specific advice. Check for fever or infection and contact your care team if readings stay above your agreed range or you cannot keep fluids down.

Get urgent medical help for vomiting, severe abdominal pain, deep or difficult breathing, confusion, unusual sleepiness, fainting or inability to drink. Seek prompt advice for dehydration, fever, a foot problem, or persistently high readings during illness. Emergency symptoms take priority over trying to correct glucose at home.

Ask what reading should trigger a call, how often to test when unwell, which medicines need special sick-day instructions, and how to check for ketones if your clinician recommends it. Discuss kidney health, Obesity, Prediabetes and Hypoglycaemia if they affect your plan.