How to Recover From "Highs"

Just take insulin!

If the above advice is all you need to get back into equilibrium after a high blood sugar, then your body is much more obliging than mine. A "High", or "hyperglycemia" for the armchair endocrinologists out there, has less significant short-term effects than going low, but for me a high is harder to recover from. Doing the following when I go high helps me get back to my normal range while avoiding too many dose corrections and limiting my blood sugar's volatility.

Do a blood test as soon as you think your BGL might be high
Since going high usually isn't quite as obvious as being low, it is easy to ignore the warning signs and delay doing a test. (If you need a refresher of the warning signs, they include: excessive thirst, frequent urination, dry-mouth, a metallic taste in your mouth, and fatigue) I have found that if I catch a high early on, it is easier to correct and I have shorter, less severe side-effects.

Correct with an insulin dose ASAP
Sure, you most likely aren't going to have a major medical situation if you don't correct your BGL immediately. But the longer you are high, the greater the negative impact on your kidneys, circulation, and eyesight.

Drink a big glass of water
This is such a simple thing to do, and yet over the years I've noticed that it helps *a lot*. Hyperglycemia is exacerbated by dehydration, which in English translates into "drinking this water will help your blood sugar drop." Also, you're probably thirsty anyways, so enjoy.

Test an hour later, and correct again if you haven't reached your target
If you test before this point, your short-acting insulin may still be taking effect, and it is easy to over-correct. After an hour, test, and take more insulin if you're still above your desired BGL. Plus, this test will show your endocrinologist that not only are you back in range, but you are taking good control of your diabetes.

Taking these steps will help you get your blood sugar back to where you want it to be quickly, easily, and safely. You'll be feeling better sooner, your organs will sustain less long-term damage, and both you and your Endo can sleep easy.