Warning Signs for Gestational Diabetic Patients on Insulin
(Low Blood Sugar)
| Excessive Sweating | Hunger, weakness |
| Headache | Feeling faint/dizzy |
| Pounding of the heart | Vision problems |
| Trembling/shakiness | Sleep/confused |
| Irritability/crankiness | Numbness/tingling around the mouth |
| Too much insulin | Too little food |
| Skipped meal or snack | Delayed meal |
More than usual amount of exercise
If below 50, eat/drink 15 grams of carbohydrates ( 4-6 oz of apple or grape juice) ½ cup = 4 oz.
If between 50-70, 4-6 oz of apple or grape juice or eat meal or snack if it is time for it.
If above 80, drink water and rest.
Recheck your blood sugar 15 minutes after each step above. Repeat the food if blood sugar has not gone up by 20.
Follow with your next meal or snack.
Make sure someone you live with knows how to use your glucagon kit in case you are unable to take care of yourself.
Do not treat a low blood sugar if you do not take medications to control your Diabetes unless you are feeling ill. Your body will usually correct a low blood sugar.
High Blood Sugar
| Increased thirst | Nausea and vomiting |
| Increased urination | Loss of appetite |
| Weakness, abdominal | Large amounts of sugar or |
| & generalized pain | ketones in urine |
| Too little insulin | Numbness/tingling around the mouth |
| Too much insulin | Too much food |
| Infection, fever | Emotional stress |
| Skipping meals/snacks |
If you are feeling ill and your blood sugar stays above 200 for more than 2 to 3 hours, drink fluids without sugar if possible and call the office. If you had diabetes prior to the pregnancy, you may be developing ketoacidosis which requires immediate medical attention!!
If 200 or higher, check your urine for ketones if you have a urine dipstick.
If you are not feeling ill and your blood sugar is at this level more than 2 times in 2 days, call the office.