Knowing the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) could, in extreme, situations, help save your life. In this article we will talk about what is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), what can causes hypoglycemia, the important signs to look out for and what action to take.
When blood sugar (glucose) levels fall to less then 70mg/dl or 4 mmol/L it is called hypoglycemia or "hypo" for short. There are a number of reasons why blood sugar could become low. The most common causes for diabetics who are on medicines are:
Too much insulin or diabetic medication, more physical activity than usual, not eating on time, not eating enough and drinking alcohol.
Signs & symptoms of Hypoglycemia
Symptoms of hypoglycaemia can vary from person to person. If you have diabetes you should be familiar with your individual symptoms. These might include:
· Sweating
· Hunger
· Irritable
· Shaking
· Dry mouth
· Dizziness
· A feeling of weakness
· Headache
· Confused
Hypoglycemia can occur quickly so it is important to treat it right away. If blood sugar drops very low the following could occur:
· Become confused and disorientated
· Lose consciousness
· Have a seizure
In such a situation you WILL need help of others.
How should Hypoglycemia be treated?
If you experience any of the above symptoms then you must check your blood glucose levels straight away. If you cannot, treat the symptoms anyway. It is better to be safe. The goal is to get your blood glucose back to a safe level in a hurry.
1) Immediately take 15 grams of fast acting glucose such as:
· 3 to 6 dextrose tablets
· A sweet soft drink (not diet) or juice
· 3 teaspoons of table glucose dissolved in water
2) After 15 minutes test your blood glucose again
3) If your blood glucose has not increased then take another dose of glucose as described above. Test your blood glucose again in 15 minutes.
4) If your next meal is more then an hour away eat a snack like a sandwich or some fruit.
It is also important that you make your friends and family aware of the symptoms to look out for, and how they can be of help if you suffer from a hypo.
Severe Hypoglycaemia
Very low blood glucose may cause you to become unconscious. This will mean you will need help to raise your blood glucose. You must not be given anything by mouth if unconscious. If possible, you should be put in the recovery position. In such a situation you will need a glucagon injection, perhaps by a trained friend or relative.
Glucagon only raises your blood glucose for a short time - you must eat something as soon as you are able to swallow.
If Glucagon does not help, call the emergency services.
What must I remember?
Always carry some form of sugar with you (and in your car)
Always carry/wear some form of diabetes identification such as an identity bracelet or necklace in case you become disorientated where people don't know you.
Tell your friends, relatives and colleagues you have diabetes and how to help with a hypo.
Learning
Think about the causes of your hypo and check your blood glucose levels when you suspect they are low.
We hope you found this article useful to learn more about meters used in testing and checking blood glucose levels read our guide to glucometers.
When blood sugar (glucose) levels fall to less then 70mg/dl or 4 mmol/L it is called hypoglycemia or "hypo" for short. There are a number of reasons why blood sugar could become low. The most common causes for diabetics who are on medicines are:
Too much insulin or diabetic medication, more physical activity than usual, not eating on time, not eating enough and drinking alcohol.
Signs & symptoms of Hypoglycemia
Symptoms of hypoglycaemia can vary from person to person. If you have diabetes you should be familiar with your individual symptoms. These might include:
· Sweating
· Hunger
· Irritable
· Shaking
· Dry mouth
· Dizziness
· A feeling of weakness
· Headache
· Confused
Hypoglycemia can occur quickly so it is important to treat it right away. If blood sugar drops very low the following could occur:
· Become confused and disorientated
· Lose consciousness
· Have a seizure
In such a situation you WILL need help of others.
How should Hypoglycemia be treated?
If you experience any of the above symptoms then you must check your blood glucose levels straight away. If you cannot, treat the symptoms anyway. It is better to be safe. The goal is to get your blood glucose back to a safe level in a hurry.
1) Immediately take 15 grams of fast acting glucose such as:
· 3 to 6 dextrose tablets
· A sweet soft drink (not diet) or juice
· 3 teaspoons of table glucose dissolved in water
2) After 15 minutes test your blood glucose again
3) If your blood glucose has not increased then take another dose of glucose as described above. Test your blood glucose again in 15 minutes.
4) If your next meal is more then an hour away eat a snack like a sandwich or some fruit.
It is also important that you make your friends and family aware of the symptoms to look out for, and how they can be of help if you suffer from a hypo.
Severe Hypoglycaemia
Very low blood glucose may cause you to become unconscious. This will mean you will need help to raise your blood glucose. You must not be given anything by mouth if unconscious. If possible, you should be put in the recovery position. In such a situation you will need a glucagon injection, perhaps by a trained friend or relative.
Glucagon only raises your blood glucose for a short time - you must eat something as soon as you are able to swallow.
If Glucagon does not help, call the emergency services.
What must I remember?
Always carry some form of sugar with you (and in your car)
Always carry/wear some form of diabetes identification such as an identity bracelet or necklace in case you become disorientated where people don't know you.
Tell your friends, relatives and colleagues you have diabetes and how to help with a hypo.
Learning
Think about the causes of your hypo and check your blood glucose levels when you suspect they are low.
We hope you found this article useful to learn more about meters used in testing and checking blood glucose levels read our guide to glucometers.
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