Monday, October 18, 2021

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.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

 

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home