High Blood Sugar Readings - Nurse's Experience

I'm a nurse and have treated countless diabetics. Hyperglycemia (an elevated blood sugar) left untreated or a pattern of hypoglycemic episodes can cause Ketoacidosis. Simply put, ketones are a substance in your body that breaks down nutrients for energy. Your body's main source of fuel should be carbohydrates and protein. So if your body does not have enough carbs to supply you with your daily energy or if there is a lack of insulin production ketones build up as a waste product in your urine and blood. This is a very critical and life-threatening condition. During this time one's blood sugar can sky-rocket much higher than most people think. As a nurse, it is not unusual to have a patient's reading between 400-500. My highest reading personally was in the 800"s. In this case the patient was treated with iv fluids and insulin. Other health care worker's have mentioned much higher numbers but this is my experience.