Tips for Diabetes Control: 13 Smart Daily Wins

Tips for Diabetes Control work best when they do more than chase one glucose number. Good diabetes care combines an individualized glucose target, food choices you can maintain, regular movement, the right medicines, prevention of low blood sugar, enough sleep, routine screening, and a plan for illness or emergencies.

The goal is not perfect blood sugar every minute.

The goal is safer glucose control while protecting your heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, feet, and quality of life.

For many nonpregnant adults, the American Diabetes Association uses an A1C goal below 7% as a common starting point. If you use continuous glucose monitoring, a common goal is to spend more than 70% of the day between 70 and 180 mg/dL.

Those are not universal targets.

Your age, diabetes type, pregnancy, medicines, risk of hypoglycemia, kidney health, heart disease, frailty, and personal priorities can all change what is safest for you.

Medical note: This article is for general information and education. It does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

I am not a dermatologist or a doctor, and this content does not replace professional medical advice. What I share comes from real life experience, extensive research, and consultation with healthcare providers. Always consult qualified medical professionals for diagnosis and treatment of any health condition.

Medical review status: This article has not been independently medically reviewed by a physician, endocrinologist, diabetes care and education specialist, registered dietitian, pharmacist, or other licensed healthcare professional.

What Does Good Diabetes Control Really Mean?

Diabetes control is bigger than one fasting glucose reading.

A modern diabetes plan looks at:

• A1C
• Daily blood glucose
• Time in range when using CGM
• Low glucose episodes
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol
• Kidney health
• Eye health
• Foot health
• Weight when relevant
• Sleep
• Physical activity
• Emotional health
• Your ability to live well with the treatment plan

A person can have an impressive A1C but too many dangerous lows.

That is not good control.

A person can also have an acceptable average glucose while experiencing large swings between very high and very low values.

That is why averages, patterns, and safety all matter.

13 Tips for Diabetes Control That Matter in 2026

1. Know Your Personal A1C and Glucose Targets

Do not copy another person's diabetes targets.

For many nonpregnant adults, the 2026 ADA Standards of Care use an A1C below 7% as an appropriate general goal when it can be reached without severe or frequent hypoglycemia.

Some people may safely aim lower.

Others need a less strict target.

A looser goal may be safer when someone has:

• Frequent low blood sugar
• Reduced awareness of hypoglycemia
• Frailty
• Major cognitive problems
• Several serious health conditions
• Limited life expectancy
• A high treatment burden

Your goal should be agreed with your healthcare team.

2. Use Glucose Monitoring to Learn, Not Just Collect Numbers

A fingerstick meter or CGM is most useful when the data changes a decision.

Depending on your treatment, useful times to check can include:

• When fasting
• Before meals
• After meals
• Before driving
• Before, during, or after exercise
• When you feel low
• When you feel unusually high
• During illness
• After treating hypoglycemia

People taking insulin often need more frequent monitoring.

People not using medicines that cause lows may need a different schedule.

Do not test simply because someone on social media tests at that time.

Ask what you are trying to learn.

For home testing basics, read Home Diabetes Test.

3. Take the Right Medicines Correctly and Review Them as Your Health Changes

Food and exercise are important, but they are not substitutes for medicine when medicine is needed.

Take insulin and diabetes medicines as prescribed.

Tell your care team if you have:

• Side effects
• Repeated lows
• Very high readings
• Trouble paying for medicine
• Difficulty following the schedule
• Kidney problems
• Heart disease
• Heart failure
• A major change in weight

Medication choice in type 2 diabetes is no longer based only on lowering A1C.

The 2026 ADA standards recommend considering medicines with proven heart and kidney benefits for people who have certain conditions.

SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP 1 receptor agonists can have cardiovascular or kidney benefits in selected people with type 2 diabetes.

These benefits can matter even when the current A1C is already at goal.

That does not mean everyone with type 2 diabetes should take the same medicine.

Your kidney function, heart health, weight goals, side effect risk, cost, and preferences all matter.

4. Build Balanced Meals Instead of Looking for a Perfect Diabetes Diet

There is no single meal plan that fits everyone with diabetes.

The CDC plate method is a simple place to start.

On a roughly 9 inch plate:

• Fill half with nonstarchy vegetables.
• Fill one quarter with a protein food.
• Fill one quarter with carbohydrate foods.
• Choose water or another low calorie drink when appropriate.

Examples of nonstarchy vegetables include:

• Leafy greens
• Broccoli
• Green beans
• Peppers
• Cauliflower
• Zucchini

Protein options include:

• Fish
• Chicken
• Eggs
• Tofu
• Beans
• Lentils
• Plain yogurt

Carbohydrate foods can include whole grains, potatoes, beans, fruit, milk, and yogurt.

Carbohydrates are not forbidden.

The amount, type, timing, and medication match matter.

For a more focused guide, read How to Control Diabetes With Food.

5. Choose Carbohydrates Carefully and Pair Them Well

Carbohydrates usually have the largest immediate effect on blood glucose after a meal.

This does not mean you must remove them all.

Choose more often:

• Beans
• Lentils
• Whole grains
• Vegetables
• Whole fruit
• Plain dairy foods

Limit foods and drinks that deliver large amounts of rapidly absorbed carbohydrate with little fiber or protein.

Examples include:

• Sugary drinks
• Large glasses of juice
• Candy
• Refined baked goods
• Large portions of refined grains

CDC guidance notes that eating carbohydrate with protein, fat, or fiber can slow the rise in glucose compared with consuming a rapidly absorbed carbohydrate alone.

Carbohydrate Counting Can Be Useful

Carbohydrate counting is especially important for some people using mealtime insulin.

The right amount of carbohydrate is individual.

Do not copy a fixed low carbohydrate target from another person.

Your plan should fit your:

• Medicine
• Insulin dose
• Activity
• Weight goals
• Kidney health
• Food preferences
• Culture

6. Aim for Regular Physical Activity

Exercise improves far more than the glucose reading immediately after a walk.

It can support:

• Insulin sensitivity
• Cardiovascular fitness
• Muscle strength
• Blood pressure
• Lipid levels
• Mood
• Mobility
• Weight management

The 2026 ADA standards recommend that most adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes work toward at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity each week.

Spread activity over at least three days when possible.

Avoid going more than two consecutive days without activity.

Examples include:

• Brisk walking
• Cycling
• Swimming
• Dancing
• Jogging
• Other activities you enjoy

Adults are also encouraged to do resistance training two or three times each week on nonconsecutive days.

See Exercise and Blood Sugar Control for a fuller guide.

7. Break Up Long Periods of Sitting

A weekly workout does not completely erase a day spent sitting.

The 2026 ADA standards recommend interrupting prolonged sitting at least every 30 minutes when possible.

You do not need a full exercise session each time.

Try:

• Standing up
• Walking around the room
• Climbing a flight of stairs
• Doing a few chair squats
• Walking after a meal

This can be especially practical for people with desk jobs.

8. Work on Weight When It Is Relevant to Your Health

Not every person with diabetes needs to lose weight.

For people with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity, weight management can improve glucose levels and several other health outcomes.

The 2026 ADA standards recommend individualized nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral support for people when weight reduction is appropriate.

Modern treatment can include:

• Structured lifestyle treatment
• Weight management medicines
• GLP 1 based medicines when appropriate
• Metabolic surgery for selected people

Do not set a weight goal based only on an internet calculator.

Discuss your health goals, treatment options, muscle mass, medicines, and personal priorities with your care team.

9. Learn How to Prevent and Treat Low Blood Sugar

Better diabetes control does not mean lower is always better.

Hypoglycemia below 70 mg/dL, or 3.9 mmol/L, matters even if you do not feel symptoms.

Risk is especially important for people taking:

• Insulin
• Sulfonylureas
• Meglitinides

Symptoms can include:

• Shaking
• Sweating
• Hunger
• Fast heartbeat
• Irritability
• Confusion
• Weakness

How to Treat a Low While You Are Awake and Able to Swallow

The 2026 ADA standards recommend glucose as the preferred treatment for a conscious person below 70 mg/dL.

For most people, a common approach is:

1. Take about 15 grams of fast acting carbohydrate.
2. Wait 15 minutes.
3. Recheck glucose.
4. Repeat treatment if the glucose is still low.

Examples can include glucose tablets or glucose gel according to the package directions.

Foods high in fat, such as chocolate, act more slowly and are not ideal for initial treatment.

People using some automated insulin delivery systems may need a smaller amount of carbohydrate, so follow the plan given by your diabetes team.

Severe Hypoglycemia Needs Glucagon

If a person cannot safely swallow, is unconscious, or requires another person to treat the episode, oral food or drink may be unsafe.

The ADA recommends prescribing glucagon to people taking insulin or at high risk of severe hypoglycemia.

Family members or other close contacts should know:

• Where glucagon is kept
• When to use it
• How to use the specific product
• When to call emergency services

10. Treat Sleep as Part of Diabetes Care

Sleep is not a side issue.

The 2026 ADA standards recommend screening people with diabetes for sleep problems and encouraging sleep promoting routines.

Poor sleep can make diabetes self management harder.

Conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea are also common in people with type 2 diabetes.

Healthy sleep habits include:

• Keeping a regular bedtime and wake time
• Creating a dark, quiet sleeping space
• Limiting caffeine late in the day
• Reducing nicotine in the evening
• Being active during the day
• Building a regular bedtime routine

Talk with your doctor if you have loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing, severe daytime sleepiness, or persistent insomnia.

For practical sleep habits, read Sleep Hygiene.

11. Manage Stress and Diabetes Distress Without Blaming Yourself

Diabetes requires daily decisions.

That can become exhausting.

Diabetes distress is not the same thing as simply having a bad attitude.

You may feel:

• Burned out
• Frustrated with numbers
• Afraid of complications
• Tired of food decisions
• Worried about money
• Afraid of low glucose
• Overwhelmed by technology

Support matters.

The 2026 ADA standards recommend diabetes self management education and support, often called DSMES.

A diabetes educator can help with:

• Glucose monitoring
• Medication routines
• Insulin skills
• Meal planning
• Problem solving
• Exercise
• Preventing complications

Mental health support can also be useful when anxiety, depression, eating problems, or diabetes distress are affecting daily care.

See Stress Reduction Techniques for general stress management ideas.

12. Protect More Than Your Blood Sugar

Diabetes can affect several organs even when you feel well.

Routine care should include more than A1C.

Kidneys

Diabetes care commonly includes:

• Serum creatinine
• Estimated glomerular filtration rate
• Urine albumin to creatinine ratio

Kidney disease can develop before obvious symptoms appear.

Eyes

The 2026 ADA standards recommend a dilated comprehensive eye examination:

• At diagnosis for people with type 2 diabetes
• Within five years after the onset of type 1 diabetes in adults

Follow up frequency depends on the result and individual risk.

For more detail, read Eye Health and Diabetes.

Feet and Nerves

A comprehensive foot evaluation is recommended at least annually.

People with loss of sensation, a previous ulcer, amputation, or other high risk features need more frequent checks.

At home, look for:

• Cuts
• Blisters
• Redness
• Swelling
• Cracks
• Color changes

Do not ignore a wound because it does not hurt.

Heart and Blood Vessels

Diabetes care also includes:

• Blood pressure
• LDL cholesterol
• Smoking status
• Physical activity
• Kidney risk
• Cardiovascular disease history

Glucose is only one part of long term diabetes risk.

13. Have a Sick Day and Emergency Plan Before You Need It

Illness can raise glucose even when you are eating less.

Stress hormones released during infection can make insulin less effective.

This is why you need a sick day plan before you become ill.

Your plan should tell you:

• How often to check glucose
• When to check ketones
• How to use insulin during illness
• Which medicines may need special instructions
• How to stay hydrated
• When to call your diabetes team
• When to go to an emergency department

If you use an SGLT2 inhibitor, ask your healthcare professional specifically about sick day and surgery rules because this medicine class can increase the risk of ketoacidosis in certain situations.

Do not wait until you are vomiting to learn the plan.

What A1C Should You Aim For?

The right target is personal.

Pregnancy has different glucose targets.

Children and some older adults also need different goals.

Do not use this table to change insulin or medication without your healthcare team.

Why Time in Range Adds Information That A1C Cannot

A1C gives an estimate of average glucose over the previous few months.

It does not show every high and low.

Two people can have the same A1C with very different daily patterns.

CGM can show:

• Time in range
• Time above range
• Time below range
• Overnight patterns
• Meal responses
• Exercise responses

That information can help the care team adjust food, activity, insulin, or other medicines more safely.

Do You Need a CGM?

Not everyone needs the same technology.

The 2026 ADA standards have expanded the role of CGM and other diabetes technology.

CGM can be especially useful for people using insulin and people at high risk for hypoglycemia.

Your choice depends on:

• Diabetes type
• Medicine
• Risk of lows
• Cost and access
• Comfort with technology
• Personal preference

Even people using CGM should have access to a glucose meter for situations when the sensor result may be inaccurate or unavailable.

Do People With Diabetes Need Snacks Between Meals?

Not automatically.

The old version of this article suggested routine snacks as a general way to prevent highs and lows.

That is too broad.

Whether you need snacks depends on:

• Your insulin plan
• Other medicines
• Meal timing
• Exercise
• Your glucose pattern
• Hunger

Some people benefit from a planned snack.

Others do better without one.

A snack that adds unnecessary carbohydrate can raise glucose rather than stabilize it.

How Much Water Should a Person With Diabetes Drink?

There is no universal eight glass rule.

Drink enough to maintain normal hydration unless your doctor has placed you on a fluid restriction.

Fluid needs depend on:

• Body size
• Weather
• Physical activity
• Kidney function
• Heart health
• Pregnancy
• Illness

Water is usually a better everyday choice than sugary drinks.

But water does not “flush diabetes away” and cannot replace insulin or glucose lowering medication.

What About Alcohol?

Alcohol can make diabetes management more complicated.

It can affect judgment, food intake, and glucose.

It can also contribute to delayed hypoglycemia in people taking insulin or some glucose lowering medicines.

If you drink alcohol, ask your healthcare team how it interacts with your specific medicines and glucose pattern.

Do not treat alcohol as a blood sugar lowering strategy.

What Is a Dangerous Low Blood Sugar?

The ADA classifies low glucose in levels.

• Level 1: below 70 mg/dL but at least 54 mg/dL
• Level 2: below 54 mg/dL
• Level 3: severe hypoglycemia requiring help from another person, regardless of the measured number

Level 2 or level 3 episodes should trigger a review of the diabetes treatment plan.

Repeated lows are not the price you should have to pay for a good A1C.

What Is Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

Diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA, develops when the body does not have enough effective insulin and begins producing excessive ketones.

It is a medical emergency.

Possible symptoms include:

• Very high glucose, although DKA can sometimes occur at lower glucose levels
• High ketones
• Excess thirst
• Frequent urination
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Deep or rapid breathing
• Extreme tiredness
• Confusion

People with type 1 diabetes are at particular risk.

People with type 2 diabetes can develop DKA too, especially in certain situations.

CDC guidance advises checking ketones during illness when glucose is 240 mg/dL or above and contacting your healthcare professional when ketones are high.

What Is Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State?

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, often called HHS, is another life threatening high glucose emergency.

It is more often associated with type 2 diabetes.

It can involve:

• Extremely high glucose
• Severe dehydration
• Weakness
• Confusion
• Changes in consciousness

This needs emergency medical treatment.

What Diabetes Care Should Happen Even When You Feel Fine?

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Need Different Plans

Many lifestyle habits overlap, but the treatment is not the same.

Type 1 Diabetes

People with type 1 diabetes need insulin because the pancreas produces little or no insulin.

Management often includes:

• Basal and mealtime insulin or an insulin pump
• Carbohydrate counting
• Glucose monitoring or CGM
• Hypoglycemia prevention
• Ketone testing during certain illnesses or high glucose episodes
• Exercise adjustments

For more detail, read Type 1 Diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes treatment may include:

• Nutrition changes
• Physical activity
• Weight management when appropriate
• Metformin
• SGLT2 inhibitors
• GLP 1 based medicines
• Other glucose lowering medicines
• Insulin when needed

The plan should also consider cardiovascular and kidney protection.

Can Type 2 Diabetes Go Into Remission?

Some people with type 2 diabetes can achieve remission, often after substantial sustained weight loss.

Remission does not mean the person was never diabetic or that future follow up is unnecessary.

Glucose can rise again.

Ongoing monitoring remains important.

Common Diabetes Control Mistakes

Trying to Eliminate Every Carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are not automatically bad.

Quality, amount, timing, and treatment match matter more than simply labeling a food as a carb.

Trying to Drive Glucose as Low as Possible

Very tight targets can be dangerous if they cause repeated hypoglycemia.

Skipping Medicine After One Good Reading

A good number may mean the treatment is working.

It does not necessarily mean the treatment is no longer needed.

Drinking Excessive Water to “Flush Out Sugar”

Water treats dehydration.

It does not replace insulin or diabetes medication.

Eating Snacks Automatically

Snacks should solve a purpose such as hunger, exercise planning, medication timing, or low glucose prevention.

They are not mandatory for every person with diabetes.

Ignoring Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

Cardiovascular disease is a major concern in diabetes.

Glucose is only one part of prevention.

Waiting for Foot Pain

Neuropathy can reduce pain sensation.

A serious wound may hurt less than expected.

Stopping Insulin During Illness

This can be dangerous, especially in type 1 diabetes.

Use your individualized sick day plan.

A Simple Daily Diabetes Checklist

• Take medicines as prescribed.
• Check glucose according to your personal plan.
• Respond to CGM alerts.
• Carry fast acting glucose if you are at risk for lows.
• Eat balanced meals.
• Drink normally for your hydration needs.
• Move your body.
• Break up long periods of sitting.
• Look at your feet if you are at risk for foot problems.
• Protect sleep.
• Record unusual highs, lows, or symptoms.

A Simple Weekly Check

Once a week, ask:

• Am I having repeated lows?
• Are certain meals causing repeated highs?
• Did I miss medicines often?
• Am I exercising safely?
• Is sleep getting worse?
• Am I feeling burned out by diabetes?
• Do I need help from my care team?

Look for patterns rather than judging yourself over one number.

Conclusion

Tips for Diabetes Control should help you build a safer system, not make you chase perfect numbers.

Know your individual A1C or CGM goals. Use glucose data to spot patterns. Build balanced meals, stay active, take medicines correctly, learn how to treat lows, and protect your sleep.

Just as important, keep up with kidney, heart, eye, nerve, and foot care, and prepare a sick day plan before illness happens.

Your best next step is to choose one area that needs improvement and bring it to your next diabetes appointment. Small changes become much more useful when they are matched to your medication, glucose pattern, and personal health goals.

References and Sources

1. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. Glycemic Goals, Hypoglycemia, and Hyperglycemic Crises: Standards of Care in Diabetes 2026.
   https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/49/Supplement_1/S132/163927/6-Glycemic-Goals-Hypoglycemia-and-Hyperglycemic
2. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. Facilitating Positive Health Behaviors and Well Being to Improve Health Outcomes: Standards of Care in Diabetes 2026.
   https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/49/Supplement_1/S89/163932/5-Facilitating-Positive-Health-Behaviors-and-Well
3. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. Diabetes Technology: Standards of Care in Diabetes 2026.
   https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/49/Supplement_1/S150/163922/7-Diabetes-Technology-Standards-of-Care-in-Diabetes
4. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment: Standards of Care in Diabetes 2026.
   https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/49/Supplement_1/S183/163934/9-Pharmacologic-Approaches-to-Glycemic-Treatment
5. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Management: Standards of Care in Diabetes 2026.
   https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/49/Supplement_1/S216/163933/10-Cardiovascular-Disease-and-Risk-Management
6. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. Retinopathy, Neuropathy, and Foot Care: Standards of Care in Diabetes 2026.
   https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/49/Supplement_1/S261/163919/12-Retinopathy-Neuropathy-and-Foot-Care-Standards
7. CDC. Diabetes Meal Planning.
   https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/healthy-eating/diabetes-meal-planning.html
8. CDC. Managing Sick Days.
   https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/living-with/managing-sick-days.html
9. NIDDK. The A1C Test and Diabetes.
   https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/a1c-test/

Internal Links + Hub

• Diabetes and Blood Sugar Management Hub
• How to Keep Diabetes Under Control
• How to Control Diabetes With Food
• Exercise and Blood Sugar Control
• Home Diabetes Test
• Type 1 Diabetes
• Eye Health and Diabetes
• Diabetes and Stomach Issues
• Low Blood Sugar Without Diabetes
• Can You Reverse Prediabetes?
• 7 Day Meal Plan for Prediabetes
• Healthy Eating Lifestyle
• Sleep Hygiene
• Stress Reduction Techniques

About the Author

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Tips for Diabetes Control?

The strongest plan combines individualized glucose targets, appropriate monitoring, balanced meals, regular physical activity, correct medication use, prevention of low blood sugar, good sleep, routine screening, and a sick day plan.

What A1C is considered good diabetes control?

For many nonpregnant adults, an A1C below 7% is a common goal. Some people need a higher or lower target depending on age, hypoglycemia risk, pregnancy, complications, other illnesses, and treatment burden.

What is time in range?

Time in range is the percentage of CGM readings that fall within a target glucose range. For many nonpregnant adults, the common target range is 70 to 180 mg/dL, with a goal of spending more than 70% of the day in that range.

Do I need to stop eating carbohydrates if I have diabetes?

No. Carbohydrates raise blood glucose, but they can still fit into diabetes care. The amount, type, timing, fiber content, and match with medicine or insulin all matter.

How much exercise should a person with diabetes get?

The 2026 ADA standards recommend that most adults with diabetes work toward at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity each week plus two or three resistance sessions on nonconsecutive days.

Does walking after meals help blood sugar?

Physical activity can lower glucose and improve insulin sensitivity. Short periods of movement after meals can be practical, and the ADA also recommends breaking up prolonged sitting at least every 30 minutes when possible.

Does everyone with diabetes need snacks?

No. Snacks may help some people because of insulin, other medicines, exercise, meal timing, or hunger. They are not automatically needed for every person with diabetes.

How do you treat low blood sugar?

For most conscious adults with glucose below 70 mg/dL, about 15 grams of fast acting glucose is commonly used, followed by a glucose recheck after 15 minutes. Repeat treatment if the glucose remains low. Follow your individualized plan if you use automated insulin delivery.

When is low blood sugar an emergency?

Severe hypoglycemia is an emergency when a person cannot safely treat themselves, becomes unconscious, has a seizure, or requires another person's help. Glucagon should be available for people taking insulin or at high risk of severe hypoglycemia.

Can drinking extra water lower high blood sugar?

Water helps prevent dehydration, but it does not replace insulin or glucose lowering medicine. Very high glucose, ketones, vomiting, or signs of dehydration need medical attention.

Why does sleep matter for diabetes?

Poor or disrupted sleep can interfere with diabetes self management and glucose control. The ADA recommends screening for sleep problems and using sleep promoting routines as part of diabetes care.

Should diabetes treatment focus only on A1C?

No. Diabetes care should also address hypoglycemia, blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney disease, cardiovascular risk, eyes, nerves, feet, sleep, mental health, and quality of life.

Why are SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP 1 medicines important?

In selected people with type 2 diabetes, these medicines can provide cardiovascular or kidney benefits in addition to lowering glucose. Current ADA guidance recommends them for certain people with heart disease, heart failure, kidney disease, or related risks.

What should I do when I am sick and have diabetes?

Follow your individual sick day plan, monitor glucose more often, know when to check ketones, stay hydrated, and know which medicines need special instructions. Do not stop insulin on your own.

When should high blood sugar become an emergency?

Seek urgent help for high glucose with high ketones, repeated vomiting, severe dehydration, trouble breathing, confusion, or other signs of diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state.