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Consistantly high readings between 17 and 25. Some days the machine just says high

A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question 💭
Johannesburg, ZA

My husband is on dialysis.in the last month his readings have been high.
The renal doctor and Endocrinologist have asked him to change his insulin to 20 3 times a day.His readings are still high. What could be the possible cause.

July 21
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A DiabetesTeam Member

1) Cut out all added sugars in food and drink.
2) Eliminate all carbs over time.
3) Eat meats, fish, poultry.
4) Eat very low carb vegetables.
5) Some fats are okay.
6) Sip a half Oz water for every pound of body weight. So if you weigh 200 pounds = 100 Oz water each day.
7) Get as least 7-8 hours sleep nightly.
8) Do self care at least 15 minutes daily.
9) Help others.
10) Tell your doctors what is going on. They can help.

July 21
A DiabetesTeam Member

Thank you. I love fresh tuna. We almost always have fresh tuna in the seafood case. I make up a dipping sauce with soy sauce thinned a bit, and ground ginger.

July 22 (edited)
A DiabetesTeam Member

Henry, I think you gave some very good advice. Treating T2 if there are no other pathology going on is pretty simple. I posted here what I do, but I forgot to mention the 100 oz of water per day. Good on you for remembering this important item. I just forgot about it. I have a suggestion for you Henry if you are not already aware. There are frozen tuna steaks sold in most supermarkets. They don't taste anything like tuna. They are delicious and of course carb free. We cut off a piece on a fork and dip it in a bowl filled with organic lemon juice and coconut oil. This fish has almost no oil in it and the coconut oil is to help us oldsters from choking on it. It does add a nice flavor too. God bless your work here Henry.

July 22
DiabetesTeam

What could be causing consistently high blood sugar readings of 17–25, even after adjusting insulin doses?

Those readings are seriously high, and it's completely understandable to be worried. Since his doctors are already involved, that's the right path — but here are some possible reasons the readings may still be Show Full Answer

What could be causing consistently high blood sugar readings of 17–25, even after adjusting insulin doses?

Those readings are seriously high, and it's completely understandable to be worried. Since his doctors are already involved, that's the right path — but here are some possible reasons the readings may still be elevated despite the insulin changes.

Insulin-related issues to consider:

- Incorrect injection technique — injecting too shallow or too deep affects absorption
- Injecting into the same site repeatedly, which can cause poor absorption over time
- Insulin that has been stored incorrectly (exposed to heat, cold, or direct sunlight)
- Expired or damaged insulin

Lifestyle and health factors:

- Eating too many carbohydrates at once
- Physical or emotional stress, which raises blood sugar through hormones like cortisol
- Illness or infection, which can spike glucose levels
- Lack of sleep or physical activity
- Certain medications (like steroids) can raise blood sugar significantly Could the meter readings be inaccurate?

It's also worth checking whether the readings themselves are accurate. False highs can happen due to:

- Residue (food, lotion, sugar) on fingers before testing
- Expired or improperly stored test strips
- A low meter battery
- Extreme temperatures affecting the meter or strips

Always wash and dry hands thoroughly before testing, and make sure strips are stored at room temperature.

Given that he's under specialist care, it would be worth raising all of these possibilities at the next appointment — especially injection technique and any medications that may be interfering. His care team may also consider whether an insulin pump or a different type of insulin could help manage levels more consistently.

July 21

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