Hypoglycemia in diabetes

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Part of living with diabetes is learning to cope with some of the problems that go along with having the disease. Hypoglycemia or low blood glucose (sugar) is one of those problems. Hypoglycemia happens from time to time to everyone who has diabetes.

Hypoglycemia, sometimes called an insulin reaction, can happen even during those times when you're doing all you can to manage your diabetes. So, although many times you can't prevent it from happening, hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) can be treated before it gets worse. For this reason, it's important to know what hypoglycemia is, what symptoms of hypoglycemia are, and how to treat hypoglycemia.

The symptoms of hypoglycemia :

The symptoms of hypoglycemia include:

Shakiness

Dizziness

Sweating

Hunger

Headache

Pale skin color

Sudden moodiness or behavior changes, such as crying for no apparent reason

Clumsy or jerky movements

Seizure

Difficulty paying attention, or confusion

Tingling sensations around the mouth

Hypoglycemia treatment

The quickest way to raise your blood glucose and treat hypoglycemia is with some form of sugar, such as 3 glucose tablets (you can buy these at the drug store), 1/2 cup of fruit juice, or 5-6 pieces of hard candy.

Ask your health care professional or dietitian to list foods that you can use to treat low blood glucose.  And then, be sure you always have at least one type of sugar with you.

Once you've checked your blood glucose and treated your hypoglycemia, wait 15 or 20 minutes and check your blood again.  If your blood glucose is still low and your symptoms of hypoglycemia don't go away, repeat the treatment.  After you feel better, be sure to eat your regular meals and snacks as planned to keep your blood glucose level up.

It's important to treat hypoglycemia quickly because hypoglycemia can get worse and you could pass out.  If you pass out, you will need IMMEDIATE treatment, such as an injection of glucagon or emergency treatment in a hospital.