{"id":820,"date":"2026-06-23T19:50:42","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T19:50:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthafter55.com\/blog\/?p=820"},"modified":"2026-06-23T19:50:43","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T19:50:43","slug":"what-to-do-when-blood-sugar-is-high","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthafter55.com\/blog\/what-to-do-when-blood-sugar-is-high\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do When Blood Sugar Is High \u2014 A Clear Guide After 55"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n
\n \"Richard\n <\/div>\n
\n Written by Richard Wells<\/strong>
\n Founder, HealthAfter55.com \u2014 Richard researches natural health strategies for adults over 55, with a focus on blood sugar, energy, and healthy ageing. He is not a medical professional. Always consult your doctor before making health changes.<\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n \"What
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You have checked your blood sugar and the number is higher than it should be. Knowing what to do when blood sugar is high<\/strong> \u2014 and whether it needs immediate medical attention or home management \u2014 is one of the most practical things you can be clear on.<\/p>\n

The first thing to establish is whether this is a “manage at home” situation or a “call someone now” situation. Those are two very different responses \u2014 and getting that distinction right matters far more than any specific remedy.<\/p>\n

This article gives you both: a clear guide to when high blood sugar needs immediate medical attention, and practical steps for the more common situation of a reading that is elevated but not dangerous. It also covers some things that are specific to adults over 55 \u2014 because high blood sugar can look different, and be more quietly serious, in this age group than many people realise.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f Last reviewed and updated: June 2026<\/em><\/p>\n

\n \u26a0\ufe0f When to stop reading and seek immediate help<\/strong><\/p>\n

Call 000 (Australia) \/ 911 (US) or go to emergency immediately if: your blood sugar is above 15 mmol\/L (270 mg\/dL) and is not coming down, OR you have any of these alongside a high reading \u2014 vomiting, fruity-smelling breath, rapid or laboured breathing, confusion, or severe stomach pain. These are signs of a medical emergency that cannot be managed at home. Do not wait to see if it improves.<\/span>\n<\/div>\n

\n \u26a1 Quick Answer<\/strong><\/p>\n

If your blood sugar is high but you feel reasonably well and have no emergency symptoms: drink water, go for a gentle 10\u201315 minute walk (if your reading is below 15 mmol\/L \/ 250 mg\/dL), avoid eating more carbohydrates until it comes down, and check your reading again in an hour. If you are on insulin or diabetes medication, follow your doctor’s sick-day plan. If you do not have one \u2014 ask your doctor for one. For most people with type 2 diabetes, a moderately elevated reading is manageable at home with these steps. The situation that needs immediate care is a very high reading with symptoms, or a reading that will not come down after your normal measures.<\/span>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Get Our Free Guide: 7 Natural Ways to Support Healthy Blood Sugar After 55<\/h3>\n

Practical strategies for adults over 55 \u2014 what to do when blood sugar spikes and how to prevent it happening as often.<\/p>\n

Get the Free Guide \u2192<\/a>\n<\/div>\n

\n \ud83d\udccb What You’ll Learn<\/strong><\/p>\n
    \n
  1. What “High” Actually Means \u2014 Knowing Your Numbers<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Emergency Signs \u2014 When to Call for Help Immediately<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. What to Do at Home When Blood Sugar Is High<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. What Not to Do \u2014 Common Mistakes That Make It Worse<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Why Did It Spike? Common Causes After 55<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. How High Blood Sugar Feels Different After 55<\/a><\/li>\n
  7. When It Keeps Happening \u2014 What to Tell Your Doctor<\/a><\/li>\n
  8. Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n
    \n

    What “High” Actually Means \u2014 Knowing Your Numbers<\/h2>\n

    Before anything else: “high” is relative to your personal target range, which your doctor should have set with you. The numbers below are general reference points \u2014 your own doctor’s guidance takes priority.<\/p>\n

    \n \ud83d\udcca General blood sugar reference \u2014 adults with type 2 diabetes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Below 7 mmol\/L (126 mg\/dL) fasting<\/td>\nTarget range (for most)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    7\u201310 mmol\/L (126\u2013180 mg\/dL)<\/td>\nElevated \u2014 monitor, take action<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    10\u201315 mmol\/L (180\u2013270 mg\/dL)<\/td>\nSignificantly high \u2014 act now, watch for symptoms<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Above 15 mmol\/L (270 mg\/dL) or above 16.7 mmol\/L (300 mg\/dL)<\/td>\nSeek medical advice same day \u2014 emergency if symptoms present<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

    Targets for adults over 65 are deliberately set slightly higher by the ADA to reduce hypoglycaemia risk. Your doctor’s personal target for you is the right one to use \u2014 not a generic chart.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    A reading that is higher than your target but lower than 15 mmol\/L (270 mg\/dL), with no concerning symptoms, is the situation this article primarily addresses. It is uncomfortable and worth acting on \u2014 but it is manageable at home for most people with type 2 diabetes.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Emergency Signs \u2014 When to Call for Help Immediately<\/h2>\n

    Two serious conditions can develop when blood sugar stays very high for too long. Knowing the warning signs could save your life or the life of someone you live with.<\/p>\n

    DKA \u2014 diabetic ketoacidosis<\/h3>\n

    DKA happens when the body has too little insulin and starts breaking down fat for energy, producing acidic compounds called ketones. It is more common in type 1 diabetes but can occur in type 2. The CDC states<\/a> you should call 000\/911 or go to emergency immediately if: your blood sugar stays at 300 mg\/dL (16.7 mmol\/L) or above, your breath smells fruity, you are vomiting and cannot keep fluids down, or you are having trouble breathing.<\/p>\n

    HHS \u2014 hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state<\/h3>\n

    HHS is less well-known but particularly relevant for adults over 55 with type 2 diabetes \u2014 it is actually more common in this group than DKA. It develops more slowly, over days or weeks of sustained very high blood sugar, and causes severe dehydration as the body tries to flush excess glucose through urine. Symptoms include extreme thirst, very dark or reduced urine, confusion, weakness, and in serious cases, seizures or loss of consciousness. If you or someone you are with seems unusually confused or drowsy alongside a high blood sugar reading \u2014 even without the fruity breath of DKA \u2014 this needs emergency care.<\/p>\n

    \n \u26a0\ufe0f Stop and call for help if you notice any of these:<\/strong><\/p>\n