Diabetes And Hypoglycemia (LOW BLOOD SUGAR)

Find out how to deal with diabetes and low blood sugar...

Hypoglycemia happens when there isn't enough glucose in your blood.  Hypoglycemia is also called "low blood sugar", "insulin reaction" and "low blood glucose".   Hypoglycemia can happen if you take insulin or pills to help control diabetes.  If low blood sugar is not
treated you can pass out, get seizures, go into a coma, and it can eventually lead to death.

Some causes of low blood sugar are:

a) not eating enough food
b) eating too few carbohydrates
c) delaying a meal or snack
d) skipping a meal or snack
e) exercise more or longer than expected
f) taking too much insulin or too many diabetes pills
g) being ill
h) drinking alcohol on an empty stomach

If the blood sugar is going low there are warning signs that can happen.  Not everyone gets all the warning signs, and in some instances no warning signs may occur.  The warming signs include:

a) being angry
b) being anxious, nervous
c) being irritable
d) being nauseous
e) being light-heading
f) being sleepy
g) sweating
h) shaking
i) numbness
j) cold, clammy skin
k) being confused
l) weakness
m) being hungry
n) blurry vision
o) dry mouth
 

HOW TO KNOW IF THE BLOOD SUGAR IS LOW

There is only one sure way to know if the blood sugar is low.  The blood sugar needs to be tested with a blood glucose testing meter.
 

HOW TO TREAT HYPOGLYCEMIA

If the blood glucose is low eat or drink something with about 15 grams of carbohydrate.  Some foods that fall into this category include:

a) 1/2 cup of fruit juice
b) 1 cup (8 ounces) skim milk
c) 2 tablespoons of raisins (40 or 50)
d) 6 saltine crackers
e) 1 tablespoon or honey or syrup
f) glucose tablets or gel
 

LETTING OTHERS KNOW YOU HAVE DIABETES

It's always important to let the people around you know that you have diabetes since they need to know the warning signs of hypoglycemia.  There may be times when you're not able to tell people your blood sugar is low (this is especially important for diabetic children who might not be able to verbalize their need for help)
 

BE PREPARED

It's important to be prepared for a hypoglycemia AT ALL TIMES.  Keep foods to treat low blood sugar at all times.  Put a small juice box or tube of cake icing in your home or office drawer.  Carry glucose tablets or gel in your purse or pocket.
 

GLUCAGON KITS

You may even want to get a prescription for glucagon and carry it with you. You, your doctor or nurse need to teach people (family, friends, coworkers, etc....) how to give you the glucagon injection.  Glucagon is a hormone that is made in the pancreas.  It makes the liver release glucose into the blood.A glucagon kit comes with a syringe of glucagon and instructions on how to use it.  It's also important for people to know that if they are unable to help you or if you lose consciousness to CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.  Low blood sugar reactions must be treated seriously, since they can lead to death