What to Do When Your Glucose Meter Reads HI: A Guide to Managing High Blood Sugar

When a glucose meter reads “HI,” it indicates that blood sugar levels are dangerously high, beyond the meter’s measurable range. Understanding how to respond to this situation is crucial for individuals managing diabetes, as it helps prevent severe complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and ensures timely medical intervention.

Understanding ‘HI’ Readings

When a glucose meter reads “HI,” it means your blood glucose level is extremely high, exceeding the meter’s maximum measurable range. Typically, this range is around 600 mg/dL (33.3 mmol/L) or higher.

This is important to address promptly because such high levels indicate severe hyperglycemia, which can lead to serious complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS). Immediate action, such as rechecking your glucose level, administering insulin, and seeking medical attention, is crucial to prevent these life-threatening conditions.

Double-Check the Reading

1. Wash Hands Thoroughly: Use warm, soapy water and dry your hands well with a clean towel. Avoid hand sanitizer as it can affect the reading.
2. Prepare Lancet: Insert a clean needle into the lancing device.
3. Get a Test Strip: Use clean hands to remove a new strip from its container. Ensure the container is closed tightly to avoid contamination.
4. Insert the Strip: Insert the strip into the meter before pricking your finger.
5. Prick Your Finger: Use the lancet to prick the side of your fingertip.
6. Collect Blood Sample: Wipe off the first drop of blood. Use the second drop for the test, ensuring only blood touches the strip.
7. Stop the Bleeding: Press a clean cotton ball or gauze pad on the pricked area until bleeding stops.
8. Recheck if Necessary: If the reading seems unusually high, wash your hands again and repeat the test to rule out any false high readings.

Following these steps can help ensure accurate glucose level readings.

Administering Insulin

When a glucose meter reads “HI,” it indicates extremely high blood sugar levels. Here’s a concise guide on what to do:

1. Double-check the reading: Wash and dry your hands thoroughly, then recheck your blood sugar to ensure accuracy.

2. Administer insulin:

   • Estimate the dose: If you have a sliding-scale insulin protocol, use it to determine the dose. If not, a common approach is to bolus for the maximum reading your meter can display.
   • Check for ketones: If ketones are present, additional insulin may be needed.

3. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to help lower blood sugar levels and prevent dehydration.

4. Consult your healthcare provider: Always seek advice from your doctor or diabetes care team to confirm the appropriate insulin dose and ensure safe management of your condition.

It’s crucial to follow these steps carefully and consult with a healthcare provider to avoid complications.

Checking for Ketones

When a glucose meter reads “HI,” it indicates extremely high blood sugar levels, often above 600 mg/dL (33.3 mmol/L). This can be dangerous and may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious condition where the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones.

Importance of Checking for Ketones:

• Prevents DKA: High ketone levels can indicate the onset of DKA, which requires immediate medical attention.
• Guides Treatment: Knowing your ketone levels helps determine the urgency and type of treatment needed, such as additional insulin or fluids.

How to Check for Ketones:

1. Blood Ketone Meter:

   • Insert a ketone test strip into the meter.
   • Prick your finger with a lancing device.
   • Apply a drop of blood to the test strip.
   • Wait for the meter to display your ketone level.

2. Urine Ketone Test:

   • Collect a urine sample in a clean container.
   • Dip a ketone test strip into the urine.
   • Wait for the strip to change color and compare it to the color chart provided with the test kit.

Interpreting Results:

• Trace or Small (Blood: <0.6 mmol/L, Urine: Light color): Drink water and take a correction dose of insulin. Recheck every 2-3 hours.
• Moderate (Blood: 0.6-1.5 mmol/L, Urine: Moderate color): Contact your healthcare provider for advice. Continue to hydrate and monitor.
• Large (Blood: >1.5 mmol/L, Urine: Dark color): Seek immediate medical attention. This indicates a high risk of DKA.

Stay hydrated and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions closely. If you feel unwell or your ketone levels remain high, seek medical help immediately.

Hydration

When your glucose meter reads “HI,” it’s crucial to stay hydrated. Dehydration can worsen high blood glucose levels because it reduces the water in your bloodstream, leading to a higher concentration of glucose.

To help manage this, drink plenty of water. You can also consume fluids like herbal teas or electrolyte solutions, but avoid sugary drinks as they can spike your blood sugar even more. Staying hydrated helps your kidneys flush out excess glucose, which is essential for stabilizing your levels.

Seeking Medical Assistance

If your glucose meter reads “HI,” it indicates extremely high blood sugar levels. Seek medical assistance immediately if you experience any of the following signs of severe hyperglycemia:

• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst
• Blurred vision
• Feeling weak or unusually tired
• Fruity-smelling breath
• Dry mouth
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness

Call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room if you have ongoing diarrhea or vomiting and can’t keep food or fluids down, or if your blood glucose levels stay above 240 mg/dL (13.3 mmol/L) and you have symptoms of ketones in your urine.

Responding to Extremely High Blood Sugar Levels

When a glucose meter reads ‘HI,’ it indicates extremely high blood sugar levels, often above 600 mg/dL (33.3 mmol/L). To respond promptly and accurately, follow these key steps:

• Wash your hands thoroughly
• Recheck the reading
• Administer insulin according to your healthcare provider’s guidance
• Hydrate with water or electrolyte solutions
• Consult your doctor for further advice

Additionally, check for ketones using a blood ketone meter or urine test strip, and interpret the results accordingly. If you experience severe symptoms such as frequent urination, blurred vision, or loss of consciousness, seek immediate medical attention.

Staying hydrated is crucial to help manage high blood glucose levels and prevent complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).