If dealing with diabetes, you already have seen all the high blood sugar levels chart end at 380 mg/dL. And when the blood sugar level exceeds that number, it’s a matter of grave concern. You must act to lower the blood sugar level.
But how to bring blood sugar down fast if over 400?
The fastest way to lower blood sugar levels if over 400 is taking the fast-acting insulin. Talk to your doctor to determine how much you should inject. The next best thing is exercise. Physical activity uses up blood sugar and lowers it in no time. And if nothing works, go to your nearest ER fast.
There is much more to know when you have an exceedingly high blood sugar level. Let me guide you through the actions, symptoms, precautions, and prevention of dangerous blood sugar levels.
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High Blood Sugar Level Or Hyperglycemia Symptoms
If the blood glucose level increases over 400, it is alarming. If your sugar level is not average, then you might experience these symptoms.
- Dry mouth
- Fruity-smelling breath
- Blurry vision
- Feeling thirsty
- Confusion
- Increased urination
- Fatigue or tiredness
How to Bring Blood Sugar Down Fast if over 400?
So, what can you do if your blood sugar is over 400? Here are some ways to get your sugar levels back to normal to keep you healthy and fit. So let’s see how to bring blood sugar down fast if over 250 to 400.
Take Fast Acting Insulin
Unlike your regular insulin, these variants work within 15 minutes of injection. You will find the peak action within an hour to two hours. The effect lasts for up to four after injection. Brands like Novolog, Apidra, and Humalog are among the most popular.
You must be wondering how much insulin should I take if my blood sugar is 400. Well, talk to your doctor before taking any fast-acting insulin. If you inject too low or too much, it can have some adverse effects.
Workout Regularly
A workout routine can increase your insulin sensitivity and help you reduce extra pounds. As you know, obesity is also one of the causes of diabetes. Regular exercise can also help your muscles use blood sugar for energy and the contraction of muscles.
Furthermore, everyone needs to monitor their blood sugar levels several times daily. This practice can help you to maintain your glucose level effectively. A home glucose monitor can be used to maintain a daily chart of your readings.
Reduce Carbohydrates Intake
Your body’s natural mechanism is to break down the carbs into sugar, and then insulin moves this glucose into the cells. But when you eat too many carbohydrates or face problems with insulin function, this process is disrupted, and your blood sugar level rises.
According to the research, eating a low carbohydrate and high protein diet can help you to reduce hyperglycemia. So, if your sugar level spikes too high, cut down your intake of carbs. And also, try low-carb food to lower blood sugar fast.
Increase Fiber Intake
Fibers play a vital role in the management of blood sugar. It slows down the rate of carbohydrates breaking down and the rate at which the body absorbs the resulting sugar. It is also essential that you take the right type of fiber. There are two types, which include soluble and insoluble fiber. Out of which, soluble fiber is most beneficial in controlling excess blood sugar.
Foods that lower blood sugar instantly and contain soluble fiber are the following:
- Legumes
- Vegetables
- Fruit
- Whole grain
Stay Hydrated
Avoiding dehydration has been proved to help reduce the high blood sugar level. When your blood glucose gets high, your body will naturally flush out extra sweetness, which means you urinate more than usual.
If you do not replace the lost water in your body, this can increase sugar levels and dehydration. Set the alarm on your phone to remind yourself to drink water and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Choose Foods With Low Glycemic Index
The glycemic index ranks and measures multiple foods by how much blood sugar they rise in the body. Your fasting blood sugar levels are significantly reduced if you opt for foods with a low glycemic index. It is also helpful for people searching for how to bring blood sugar down without insulin.
Foods that score below 55 on the glycemic index are the best. Low glycemic index foods include:
- Legumes
- Low-fat milk
- Quinoa
- Sweet potatoes
- Seeds and nuts
- Fish
- Meat
- Green leafy vegetables
Control Your Stress Levels
Stress is usually one of the main reasons that trigger hyperglycemia. Meditating or practicing yoga is the best way to control your anxiety and stress. It will help you to clear your mind and get away from every annoying stimulus of the world. So, take deep breaths and relax if you want to lower blood sugar fast.
Take Proper Sleep
Not getting enough sleep may directly relate to your high blood sugar level. Your fatty acid levels in the blood rise if you sleep less than four hours for three consecutive nights.
Naturally, fatty acids recede at night. Still, when you do not take enough sleep, fatty acids accumulate in the blood, which interferes with insulin function, raising the blood sugar to dangerous levels.
Your hormones, fatty acids, and stress can be regulated if you take seven to eight hours of sleep. And then you don’t have to worry about how to lower blood sugar immediately.
Try Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has many advantages. You can use it for glowing skin, detoxifying your body, and lowering your blood glucose level. You can easily incorporate apple cider vinegar into your diet by adding it to salad dressings or mixing two teaspoons in eight ounces of water.
But, if you are already taking anti-diabetic medication, consult with your pharmacist or doctor first.
Foods Rich In Chromium And Magnesium Might Help
If your blood sugar remains over 400, you should add chromium and magnesium to your diet. Micronutrient deficiencies can also lead to high blood sugar. Chromium is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fat.
According to studies, chromium has the long-term benefit of controlling sugar levels. Egg yolks, coffee, high bran cereals, nuts, broccoli, green beans, and meat are chromium-rich foods.
Magnesium deficiency has shown a direct link to a higher risk of diabetes. Dark leafy vegetables, whole grain, fish, dark chocolate, and avocados are magnesium-rich foods.
Try Glutamine Supplement
A diabetes fast fact is: Diabetic people tend to have low glutamine, which is an amino acid. Glutamine helps to boost your immunity and improves your intestinal health. A glutamine supplement can help reduce blood sugar as people with diabetes have less glutamine.
Additionally, these supplements will help make your insulin more effective, so your blood sugar will rapidly reduce.
Probiotics Are Useful
Probiotics help reintroduce the healthy bacteria in your intestines and may help you eliminate metabolic and intestinal problems. There is also a fair chance of reducing your high sugar level. So, if you are considering trying probiotics for your inflammation and digestion issues, it might help control hyperglycemia.
How can Sugar Balance Diabetes Supplements help to maintain a healthy sugar level? Read here
Health Consequences of High Blood Sugar
Your overall health can be affected negatively if you leave hyperglycemia untreated. High blood glucose can also lead to a life-threatening condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis, also called the diabetic coma.
In ketoacidosis, your body breaks fat at once, expelling ketones in your urine. But too many ketones cannot be excreted from the body rapidly, so they start accumulating in your bloodstream. Dry mouth, fruity-smelling breath, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath are common symptoms of ketoacidosis.
With consistently high blood sugar, you are also at risk for other serious health complications, including stroke, heart disease, retinopathy (vision problems), neuropathy (nerve problems), and death.
How to Know if You are at Risk For High Blood Sugar
Usually, people with type 1 diabetes will experience high blood sugar if they have not taken enough insulin or if they have type 2 diabetes; the recommended insulin dosage is not working as it should.
Apart from this, your chances of hyperglycemia increase if you:
- Eat too much processed and junk food
- Do not have any exercise routine
- Have a habit of eating large meals or binge eating
- Take too much stress about anything
- Suffer from any recurring illness
- Have a family history of diabetes
Let’s find out how to lower blood sugar quickly in an emergency.
The FAQ of Blood Sugar if Over 400
What should I do if my blood sugar is over 400?
High blood sugar levels above 400 mg/dL can be a medical emergency. Mostly it is treated with IV fluids and insulin right away. But you also need to avoid such high sugar levels as eating a healthy diet, sticking to a proper workout regime, and taking medication properly as the prescriber recommends.
What can you do to bring your sugar down quickly?
To lower your sugar levels quickly, drink plenty of water, and eat a snack that is high in protein because protein stabilizes the blood sugar. Avoid sugary foods, and lastly, administer quick-acting insulin such as Novolog if your doctor has prescribed it.
What should I do if my blood sugar is over 300?
A reading above 300 mg/dL is considered severe, and if it remains persistent for two days, you should inform your doctor. Blood sugar above 300 may cause nausea, blurred vision, confusion, and dizziness. To treat this condition, make sure you take your medication timely, avoid carbohydrates, or eliminate and exercise regularly.
What is the dangerous level of blood sugar?
Blood sugar levels above 240 mg/Dl are considered dangerous and should be monitored several times daily. If the situation persists, seek medical advice immediately.
Bottom Line:
If you are still wondering how to bring blood sugar down fast if over 400, then you should know exercise, diet, and a good night’s sleep are your best friends in maintaining the average blood sugar level.
Try to steer clear of added sugars in your food or beverages. Fiber and whole grains will help you reduce your blood glucose level naturally.
It is always best to consult your doctor or dietician when making significant diet changes and monitor symptoms in case you need immediate medical attention.
