LOW BLOOD Glucose (HYPOGLYCEMIA)
What is hypoclycemia?
When you take insulin or some oral medications, it is possible for your blood sugar level to drop too low. This condition is called hypoglycemia. With diabetes, a blood sugar level below 70 mg/dl is considered too low. Part of keeping your diabetes in control is to test your blood sugar often. Ask your doctor how often you should test it and what your blood sugar levels should be. More important, you should test your blood whenever you feel a low blood sugar reaction coming on. After you test and find your blood sugar level is low, you should treat this condition quickly. If you feel a reaction coming on but cannot test your blood, it’s best to treat the reaction rather than wait.
For more information about hypoglycemia, click here.
Remember this simple rule: WHEN IN DOUBT, TREAT.
It is important to treat hypoglycemia quickly because it can get worse and you could pass out. If you pass out, you will need immediate treatment, such as an injection of glucagon or emergency treatment in a hospital. If you pass out, people should:
- NOT inject insulin.
- NOT give you food or fluids.
- NOT put their hands in your mouth.
- Inject glucagon or put glucose gel in the side of your mouth if you are lying on your side.
Call for emergency help.
What causes low blood sugar?
Low blood sugar might occur if:
- You miss or delay a meal or eat less than usual.
- You are more physically active than usual.
You take too much insulin or oral medication.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia
Warning signs of low blood sugar include:
- Sweating.
- Sudden moodiness or behavior changes such as crying for no reason.
- Shakiness.
- Dizziness.
- Pale skin color.
- Tingling sensations around the mouth or in the fingers.
- Hunger.
Confusion or difficulty paying attention.
How do you treat hypoglycemia?
- If you have any one of the symptoms, take one of these:
- 1/2 cup juice.
- 3 glucose tablets.
- 5 pieces of hard candy.
- If possible, check your blood glucose level and write it down.
- Wait 15 minutes, then check your blood glucose level again.
- If your blood glucose is still below 100, or if you don’t feel better, repeat the treatment in step 1.
- When you feel better, eat 1/2 sandwich or drink a glass of milk, OR if it is less than one hour before mealtime, eat your meal.
- Call your doctor if you do not feel better after 30 minutes, if your blood glucose level stays low or if this happens more than once a week.
- Make a note of possible reasons why your blood sugar is low (for example, you skipped lunch or exercised more than usual), and share that information with your doctor or nurse on your next visit.