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.
If your blood glucose level is less than 50 mg/dl, eat or drink 20 – 30 grams of carbohydrate 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 your blood glucose is still too low, treat it again with another serving of carbohydrate. If after bringing your blood glucose level to 70 mg/dl or higher and 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.
You should call your healthcare provider if after a second treatment your blood glucose does not return to a normal range.
If you have severe hypoglycemia—blood glucose level less than 40 mg/dl and are unconscious, someone will need to give you a glucagon injection. Glucagon is a hormone that will quickly raise your blood glucose level.Talk to your healthcare provider about when and how to use a glucagon emergency kit.
In the event you feel symptoms of hypoglycemia but are unable to check your blood glucose, it is better to treat yourself than risk your glucose level going too low. The American Diabetes Association states, “When in doubt, treat.”
Everyone with diabetes should wear a medical alert bracelet or pendant, but it is especially important if you have hypoglycemia often or have had severe hypoglycemia. A medical alert ID tells other people that you have diabetes and need care right away. Getting prompt care can help prevent the serious problems that hypoglycemia can cause.
Constance Brown-Riggs, MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, national speaker and author of The African American Guide to Living Well with Diabetes.. She is a Dannon One Yogurt Every Day Nutrition Advisor.