Hypoglycemia is usually avoidable, however, it is important that if you do experience a low blood sugar level, you know how to recognize and importantly treat the situation.
Prevention of low blood sugar levels is the primary goal.
The “Rule of 15”
- Blood sugar less than 70mg/dl
- 15 grams quick acting carbs (Glucose tablets, juice, regular soda, or candy)
- Recheck blood sugar in 15 minutes
- Repeat 15 grams of quick acting carbs until blood sugar is above 70 mg/dl
What are the Symptoms of Hypoglycemia?
There are two stages of symptoms or signs associated with low blood sugars:
These first stage symptoms are our
safety symptoms that warn us of low
blood sugar levels. It is important to
listen and respond to these symptoms.
They usually occur with blood sugar
levels between 55 – 70mg/dl. If you
have had elevated blood sugar levels
above 200mg/dl for a period of time,
you may feel low at normal blood sugar
levels of 80 – 100mg/dL.
First stage symptoms or signs
(usually 55‐70mg/dL)
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Weakness / Feeling tired
- Anxiety
- Fast heart beat
- Tingling of the lips / mouth
These second stage symptoms are dangerous. Blood sugar levels in this range, usually less than 55mg/dl, may
require someone else to help you treat the low blood sugar level because you are not thinking clearly to treat it
yourself.
Second stage symptoms or signs
(usually less than 55mg/dL)
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Inability to think clearly
- Drowsiness
- If very low, risk of unconsciousness
Hypoglycemia unawareness is the term given when people do not experience the first stage symptoms and are
unaware that their blood sugar levels are low. Possible reasons for this include frequent low or untreated
blood sugar levels, long standing diabetes and nerve damage.
Hypoglycemia: What to do
Treatment:
Unless a person is unconscious or very drowsy, the
‘Rule of 15’ should be followed in all circumstances
for all blood glucose levels below 70mg/dl – yes,
that means a blood sugar level of 69mg/dl! If you do
not have your meter but feel low, treat it as if you
have a low blood sugar level.
Suitable 15gram quick acting carbohydrates in‐
cludes:
- 4 glucose tablets or
- 4oz of juice or
- 6oz of regular soda or
- soft pure sugar candy that is easy to chew. (i.e. Sweet Tarts/ Starbursts)
These 15 grams are only likely to raise your blood sugar a maximum of 45mg/dL. If you are not going to eat within the next hour, or if you are active, take a snack, [15 grams of carbohydrate with protein or fat i.e. crackers and peanut butter].
Note 1: High fat carbohydrates such as chocolate
are not appropriate treatments for low
blood sugar levels. These foods take too
long to digest and therefore take too long
to raise a low blood sugar level.
Note 2: If the blood sugar level is below 50mg/dL,
it is recommended to take 30 grams of
quick acting carbohydrate and recheck the
sugar in 15 minutes.
Causes:
If you are aware of possible causes of low blood
sugar levels, then you have the opportunity to pre‐
vent it from happening again. Causes of low blood
sugar include:
- Taking too much diabetes medication
- Not eating enough carbohydrate foods
- Too much exercise
- Alcohol
REMEMBER!
If you take medications that lower blood
sugar levels, you should:
- Learn your body’s warning signs of a low blood sugar
- Always carry quick acting glucose with you – remember the ‘Rule of 15’
- Wear some form of diabetes identifica‐ tion such as a neckchain or bracelet.
- Check your blood sugar level before driving
- Explain the possible sign / symptoms and treatment of low blood sugar lev‐ els to relatives, friends or workmates so they will know how to help you.
- Don’t go to bed with a blood sugar level below 100mg/dL. Good bed‐time snacks include 8oz milk or 3 crackers and ½ teaspoon peanut butter or 3 crackers and cheese.
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