Hypoglycemia usually means having a blood sugar level below 70mg/dl. However, in some diabetic patients, symptoms of hypoglycemia may happen when blood sugar rapidly decreases, even if it is above 70mg/dl.
- Hypoglycemia may occur in the following events：
- Inappropriate dosing of insulin or oral medication
- Skipping a meal, eating a small meal, or eating later than usual
- Eating a meal with mostly simple sugars
- Drink alcohol without eating
- Too much energy consumption without snacking, such as strenuous or prolonged exercising
- Diarrhea
- Symptoms of low blood sugar：
- Early on when hypoglycemia has just begun, there might be hunger, shivering, cold sweating, palpitation or rapid heart rate, weakness, dizziness, or lip numbness.
- In severe conditions, patients may develop disturbances in consciousness, seizure, or pass out.
- If the patient is clear and may cooperate, eat or drink 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate every 15 minutes until symptoms improve or if tested blood sugar is over 70mg/dL. Try：
- Juice or soft drink (about 120mL)
- Milk (about 240mL)
- Hard candy (about 3 sugar cubes)
- Honey (1 tbsp under the tongue)
*If symptoms persist for over 30min, please go to the ER immediately.
- Once symptoms improve, have an earlier meal if anticipating to eat within the hour, or have a piece of toast or 3 pieces of saltine crackers if at least anther hour until the expecting meal.
- For the unconscious patient
Carefully apply 1 tbsp of syrup or honey into the pocket between the patient’s lip and gums, then gently rub the cheeks. Repeat every 15 minutes. Bring patient to the hospital immediately. - Prevention：
- Learn to spot symptoms of hypoglycemia.
- Inject insulin or take oral diabetic medication in appropriate doses
- Eat at a regular scheduled meal time in appropriate proportions and amount.
- Check blood sugar before and after exercise. Have a snack if the sugar level is below 180 mg/dl.
- Carry candy or biscuit everywhere in case of hypoglycemic episode.
- When feeling sick or having poor appetite, call your doctor or nutritionist for medication adjustment.