Practicing good diabetes management is the best way to prevent high glucose (blood sugar). Patients should follow their physician-recommended schedule of diet, exercise, insulin and oral diabetes medication (antidiabetic agents). Despite these efforts, unexplained episodes of high blood glucose (hyperglycemia) may occur.

In addition to following the treatment plan established by a physician, steps to prevent hyperglycemia include:

• Storing insulin properly. Insulin that has been exposed to extreme heat or cold should not be used.
  
  
• Checking the expiration date on the insulin and examining the bottle for unusual particles or crystals. Expired or spoiled insulin should not be used.
  
  
• Carrying extra insulin pump supplies. Patients who use an insulin pump should carry extra needles, insulin, tubing, batteries and a syringe in case the pump malfunctions.

• Exercising more. People with diabetes can sometimes reduce glucose levels with exercise. Patients should follow a physician-recommended exercise schedule and generally should avoid exercise when ketones are present in the blood or urine.
  
  
• Eating correctly. Consistency from day to day in the timing and amount of food eaten can lead to better control over glucose. Patients should monitor their intake of starch and sugar because carbohydrates raise blood glucose levels. A registered dietician can advise a person with diabetes on healthy food choices and may suggest several small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones.
  
  
• Using stress management techniques. 
  
  
• Preparing for sick days. People with diabetes can counteract the rise in glucose resulting from illness, infection or other physical stress by preparing a sick- day plan with their physician ahead of time. Patients should know how and how often to perform glucose monitoring and ketone testing, what medicines to take and how to eat. Patients should also get vaccinated against pneumonia and the flu, and treat infections early.
  
  
• Talking to a physician or pharmacist about the potential interactions and side effects of medications and supplements. For example, certain over-the-counter medications (e.g., decongestants and cough medicine) and a range of prescription drugs can raise blood glucose levels.