Living With Diabetes – Handling Low Blood Sugars ~ Emerald Quill

Apr 22, 2012

Living With Diabetes – Handling Low Blood Sugars

4/22/2012 Celestine Green No comments

Your blood sugar level can drop even when you are doing all you can to manage your diabetes. Your medication could be off, you may have missed a meal or you waited to long to eat. Your blood sugar level could plunge after an extra game of volley ball at the park, a hard swim in the pool at the athletic club, or planting a tree in your yard. Get familiar with the symptoms, so that you can respond quickly.

Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia):
- Dizziness or Shakiness
- Feeling Anxious, Nervous, or Tired
- Feeling Grouchy, Light-headed, or Sweaty
- Feeling Hungry, Confused, or Weak

If you have any of these warning signs, check your blood glucose numbers right away. Your indicators may be mild at first, but they can get worse if you do not raise the amount of sugar in your blood.

If your blood glucose is below 70 mg/dL or if you continue to have any symptoms, do this right away.

Step 1. Take ONE (1) of the quick-fix foods.
- 5 or 6 pieces of hard candy
- 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey
- 3 or 4 glucose tablets
- 1 serving of glucose gel (equal to 15 grams of carbohydrate)
- 1 cup of milk
- ½ cup of fruit juice
- ½ cup of regular soda pop (not diet)

Step 2. Wait 15 minutes and then check your blood level again.

Step 3. If your blood sugar level is still below 70 mg/dL or if you do not feel better, repeat Step 1 every 15 minutes until your level has climbed to 70 mg/dL or above.

Step 4. After your quick-fix foods have raised your blood sugar to 70 mg/dL or above, and if your next meal is 1 hour or more away, eat a snack. If your next meal is less than an hour away, you may wait until the meal to eat.

Step 5. If you do not feel better, or if your level stays below 70 mg/dL, you should telephone your medical doctor.

Step 6. Ask your physician which medications could be less likely to lower your blood glucose level. Your current physical condition may require an update in the drug or dosage of you've been prescribed. Write down any symptoms you have experienced and take your doctor the list on your next visit.

Living with Diabetes is much easier if you have the proper information. Read as much as you can, talk with your doctor, and be sure to ask lots of questions.