Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
During your visit to the ED, the doctor found your blood sugar level was high. This is called "hyperglycemia."
Many things can cause high blood sugar. Some are serious things like diabetes or an infection. Less serious things like stress or certain medicines can also cause high blood sugar.
The doctors think your high blood sugar is not an immediate danger. You can manage your symptoms at home. But it is important to follow up with your regular doctor.
You might be waiting on some test results. The staff will contact you if there are concerning results.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment.
●Take all your medicines as instructed.
●Drink water whenever you are thirsty. Water helps remove the extra sugar from your blood. Avoid sugary drinks like fruit juice, sports drinks, and regular (non-diet) soda.
●Try to get regular exercise. This can help lower your blood sugar. Check with your regular doctor about what types of physical activity are best for you.
●If your doctor gave you an eating plan, try to follow it. You can also work with a food expert (called a "dietitian").
●If you are feeling worried or anxious, try to find ways to manage stress. You can try meditation, deep breathing, and relaxation exercises. Activities like yoga, exercise, and tai chi can also help.
●If you were told to check your blood sugar at home, make sure you know how and when to do so.
When do I need to get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:
•Have a seizure
•Are having so much trouble breathing you can only say 1 or 2 words at a time
•Need to sit upright to breathe, or cannot lie down
•Are very tired from working to catch your breath, or are sweating from trying to breathe
●Return to the ED if you:
•Have belly pain, nausea, or vomiting
•Get very confused or lethargic, or cannot be woken up
•Are urinating and eating much more than usual, but are losing weight
•Have signs of severe fluid loss, such as:
-Not urinating for over 8 hours
-Feeling very lightheaded, or like you are going to pass out
-Feeling weak, like you are going to fall
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if you:
●Have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills, for more than 1 day
●Develop early signs of fluid loss, such as:
•Very dark urine
•Dry mouth
•Muscle cramps
•Lack of energy
•Feeling lightheaded when you get up
●Lose weight without trying
●Have new or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Type 1 diabetes (The Basics)
Patient education: Checking your blood sugar at home (The Basics)
Patient education: Type 1 diabetes: Overview (Beyond the Basics)
