Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

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：
  1. Inappropriate dosing of insulin or oral medication
  2. Skipping a meal, eating a small meal, or eating later than usual
  3. Eating a meal with mostly simple sugars
  4. Drink alcohol without eating
  5. Too much energy consumption without snacking, such as strenuous or prolonged exercising
  6. Diarrhea
• Symptoms of low blood sugar：
  1. Early on when hypoglycemia has just begun, there might be hunger, shivering, cold sweating, palpitation or rapid heart rate, weakness, dizziness, or lip numbness.
  2. 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：
  1. Juice or soft drink (about 120mL)
  2. Milk (about 240mL)
  3. Hard candy (about 3 sugar cubes)
  4. 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：
  1. Learn to spot symptoms of hypoglycemia.
  2. Inject insulin or take oral diabetic medication in appropriate doses
  3. Eat at a regular scheduled meal time in appropriate proportions and amount.
  4. Check blood sugar before and after exercise. Have a snack if the sugar level is below 180 mg/dl.
  5. 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.