Doctors Share What To Do When Blood Sugar Reaches 278

A blood sugar reading of 278 mg/dL is high and points to hyperglycaemia. Dr Aarti Ullal, a physician and diabetologist at Gleneagles Hospital Parel, explains that while a single test does not tell the whole story, it needs attention.

What To Do

Wash and dry your hands, then test again with a fresh strip to confirm the number. Drink water to stay hydrated unless a doctor has told you to limit fluids, and stay away from sugary foods and drinks. If the reading stays very high or you start feeling unwell, call a doctor right away. Warning signs like severe thirst, frequent urination, vomiting, belly pain, extreme weakness, confusion, sleepiness or trouble breathing mean you need urgent medical help. People with type 1 diabetes must watch out for signs of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Do not try online hacks or assume that exercise will fix the high reading. Exercise should be avoided if you feel sick or if ketones are present. Do not eat extra carbs or take an extra dose of insulin or diabetes medicine on your own unless your doctor gave you a specific correction plan. Taking extra drugs without guidance can make blood sugar drop too low.

Causes And Review

A sudden spike can happen due to illness, infection, physical or emotional stress, missed pills, diet changes, less physical activity, dehydration, new insulin needs, or medicines like steroids. If readings around this level keep happening, talk to your doctor to review your fasting and post-meal patterns, HbA1c, diet, and possible infections.

Context

Blood sugar levels change throughout the day based on meals, medicines, activity, illness, and stress. Keeping a daily record of your glucose numbers, meal times, medicines, and symptoms helps doctors understand your patterns better.