How diabetics should manage low blood sugar episodes
What leads to hypoglycemia?
Our
blood sugar level fluctuates throughout the day depending on the foods
we eat and the activities we perform. When the blood sugar drops below
the normal range it is referred to as hypoglycemia. The most common
cause of hypoglycemia is the intake of excess insulin medications or
fewer carbohydrate consumptions. Both the factors can lead to a drop in
the blood sugar level to dangerous levels, increasing the risk of
developing health complications. Hypoglycemia is a condition that
requires immediate medical attention to avoid complications.
Symptoms to look out for
When
your blood sugar level drops, it leads to some obvious symptoms. The
symptoms start to show up slowly, making it a little difficult to
identify the reason behind it. The symptoms may include:
Shakiness
Nervousness
Sweating or chills
Irritability
Confusion
Fast heartbeat
Light-headedness
Feeling hungry
Feeling nauseous
If left untreated, symptoms can lead to severe symptoms like:
Coordination problems
Nightmares
Seizures
Blurry vision
Slurred speech
Tingling or numbness in the face or mouth
How to treat an episode of hypoglycemia at home
Once
you are able to successfully identify the symptoms of hypoglycemia, in
most of the cases you can easily bring it back to normal on your own.
The American Diabetes Association recommends the “15-15 Rule” for
overcoming an episode of hypoglycemia:
Eat or drink 15 grams of carbs: To raise the blood sugar levels eat 15 grams of fast-acting carbs. These are sugary foods without protein or fat and are immediately converted into sugar in the body. Soft drinks, honey, and sugary candy are a few things you may have.
Check blood sugar levels: 15 minutes after having carbs check your blood sugar level. If it is still under 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), eat or drink another 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate and recheck the blood glucose level. Repeat the process till the time blood sugar level reaches above 70 mg/dL.
Have a meal or snack: Once your blood sugar level is back to normal, have a meal or snack to stabilise it and replenish your body's glycogen stores.
When to call the doctor?
If your blood sugar level does not get balanced after three tries of the 15-15 rules or the symptoms get worse, without a delay call your healthcare provider. Healthcare providers can use a medication called glucagon or give an injection to raise the blood sugar level at home. To prevent episodes of hypoglycemia eat a healthy and well-balanced diet, exercise regularly and take your medication on time.