Hypoglycemia, also called low blood glucose or low blood sugar, is a condition that occurs when the body's blood glucose decreases and is too low. Hypoglycemia is defined as a blood glucose level below 70 mg/dl. Hypoglycemia may range from mild to moderate (60-70 mg/dl) with few or no symptoms, to severe hypoglycemia with very low levels of glucose.
What Causes Hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia can be a side effect of insulin or other types of diabetes medicines that help your body make more insulin. Hypoglycemia can occur in people with diabetes for many reasons. For example, blood glucose can drop if meals are skipped, delayed or are too small; too much insulin or oral medications; increased amounts of exercise or activity; or excessive alcohol consumption.
Symptoms and Management of Hypoglycemia
Symptoms of hypoglycemia include shakiness, dizziness, sweating, hunger, headache, pale skin color, clumsiness, confusion, change in behavior, and seizure. Untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to unconsciousness and death. If you start to feel one or more of the symptoms of hypoglycemia, check your blood glucose levels. If your blood glucose level is less than 70 mg/dl, eat or drink 15 grams of carbohydrates right away.
Food that will raise your blood glucose rapidly and have about 15 grams of carbohydrate include 2 to 3 glucose tablets, 4 ounces of fruit juice, 4 ounces of regular soda, 1 cup of milk, 5 to 6 pieces of hard candy, or 1 to 2 teaspoons of sugar or honey.
Wait 15 minutes and then re-check your blood glucose level. If it is still too low, treat again with another serving. Repeat these steps until your blood sugar is at least 70 mg/dl.
If your next meal is more than 1 hour away, have a snack to keep your blood glucose level in your target range. Try crackers or a piece of fruit.
If you feel symptoms of hypoglycemia but are unable to check your blood glucose, then it is best to treat yourself than risk your glucose level going too low. The American Diabetes Association states, “When in doubt, treat.”
The following actions can help prevent hypoglycemia:
Check blood glucose levels. Knowing your blood glucose level can help you decide how much medicine to take, what food to eat and how physically active to be.
Eat regular meals and snacks. Your meal plan is key to preventing hypoglycemia. Eat regular meals and snacks with the correct amount of carbohydrates to help keep your blood glucose level from going too low. Ask your health care provider what to do if you often skip meals. Also, if you drink alcoholic beverages, limit to 1 to 2 drinks per day and eat some food at the same time.
Be physically active safely. Physical activity helps your body better use insulin so if you are not careful you may experience hypoglycemia after exercising. Physical activity can lower your blood glucose during the activity and for hours afterward. It is important for you to check your blood glucose before and after exercising and may be necessary for you to test during exercise as well. You may also need to adjust your medicine or carbohydrate intake. For example, you might eat a snack before being physically active or decrease your diabetes medication dose as directed by your healthcare provider to keep your blood glucose from dropping too low.