How can a nurse help manage a client's high blood glucose levels?

Administering insulin is a fundamental intervention for managing high blood glucose levels, especially in clients with diabetes. Insulin acts to lower blood sugar by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells for energy and storage, effectively reducing the amount of glucose circulating in the bloodstream.

This approach is particularly crucial for individuals with type 1 diabetes, who do not produce insulin, and for many individuals with type 2 diabetes when other interventions, such as oral medications or lifestyle changes, are insufficient to keep blood glucose levels in check. Administering insulin can provide a more immediate and direct impact on lowering high blood glucose levels compared to other methods.

While decreasing carbohydrate intake and increasing exercise are valuable strategies in long-term diabetes management, administering insulin directly addresses the acute elevation in blood glucose. Delaying treatment could lead to complications associated with hyperglycemia, such as ketoacidosis or long-term damage to organs and systems. Therefore, timely insulin administration is a critical component of effective glucose management for individuals with elevated blood sugar.