Find Out More About:
Dealing With Hypoglycemia or Low Blood Sugar
by
Jennifer Birge
When you diabetes, it is important to know how to treat low blood sugar. Low blood sugar is also referred to as hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugars in the body fall below 70 mg/dl. Symptoms include hunger, nervousness, anxiety, weakness, shakiness, sweating, lightheadedness, confusion and dizziness. Some people experience no symptoms, which is called asymptomatic hypoglycemia.
Hypoglycemia needs to be treated immediately to prevent further medical complications.
You can follow these general guidelines to treat hypoglycemia: Because carbohydrates raise blood sugar, it is effective to consume a fast-acting carbohydrate that will raise blood sugar most quickly. Some examples of fast-acting carbohydrates are juice, milk, glucose tablets, soda and hard candy.
To raise blood sugar from hypoglycemia, we teach and follow the 15/15 rule:
The 15/15 Rule: Give 15 grams of carbohydrate and wait 15 minutes before checking your blood sugars again. Repeat if blood sugars are still less than 70 mg/dl. If your blood glucose test is 50 and 69 mg/dl, the amount of carbohydrate to take is 15 grams. If your blood glucose test is less than 50 mg/dl, the amount of carbohydrate to take is 30 gm carbohydrate You should feel better in 10-15 minutes after you treat yourself. If your blood glucose is still less than 70 mg/dl or you don\’t feel better 10-15 minutes after the treatment, take 1 more carbohydrate serving (15g).
Test your blood glucose an hour after the reaction to make sure that your blood glucose has gone above 70 mg/dl and stayed there. When your blood glucose is within a safe range, it is recommended that you follow-up with a snack or your next meal (if scheduled within 30 minutes).
EXAMPLES OF TREATMENTS FOR LOW BLOOD GLUCOSE If your blood glucose is between 50 – 69 mg/dl, take the amount listed (about 15 g carbohydrate). If your blood glucose is less than 50 mg/dl, take twice the amount listed. Orange or apple juice (no sugar added) – ½ cup Grape or cranberry juice (no sugar added) – ½ cup Regular soda (non-diet) – ½ cup Honey or corn syrup – 1 Tablespoon Glucose tablets – 3 or 4 Sugar packets -3 packets Life Savers or other hard candy – 3-8 pieces
An additional carbohydrate snack may be needed at night or after exercise to keep your blood glucose above 70 mg/dl. Make sure you are including lean protein in your meals because protein helps keep your blood sugar level throughout the day.
Important: Do not hesitate to call 911 if you feel faint or unsteady and always report any low blood sugar levels you have to your healthcare provider. This information is not intended to replace your medical care or treatment.
Jennifer Birge is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator. Visit her
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