Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Glucose)

What is low blood glucose?

A blood glucose less than 3.3 mmol/L would be considered low and dangerous level for most people.

How might I feel with low blood glucose?

Signs and Symptoms

Mild

• Shakiness

• Sweating

• Fast heart beat

• Blurred vision

• Decreased concentration

• Palpitations

• Dizziness

• Hunger

Moderate

• Impairment of motor function

• Confusion

• Inappropriate behavior

Severe

• Seizure

• Coma

• Combativeness

What causes low blood glucose?

• Taking too much insulin or too many diabetes pills.

• Missing a meal or snack, eating less food or eating later than usual.

• Exercising or more physical activity than usual.

• Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach and/or with low blood glucose.

• Changes in your schedule such as a special occasion.

What can I do to avoid low blood glucose?

Frequent monitoring of your blood glucose at home, during exercise and other times of the day will keep you informed of where your blood glucose level is.

How do I treat low blood glucose?

Low blood glucose is easy to treat. You need to know what to do before it happens. If you feel that your blood glucose is low, but you cannot test, eat something with sugar. When in doubt, it's safer to eat the extra food than to risk having a bad low blood glucose reaction.

The following treatments contain approximately 15 grams of carbohydrate:

• 3 - 4 glucose tablets

• 1/2 cup regular soda (not sugar free)

• 6 - 7 small hard sugar candies (chewed)

• 1/2 cup juice (apple, orange)

• 1 cup of skim milk

• 1 T of sugar

Repeat every 10 - 15 minutes until you no longer have symptoms of low blood glucose. Follow with your next meal, if it is time, or a snack of 1/2 sandwich and a glass of milk. If you use insulin, ask your doctor about the use of Glucagon Emergency Kit.

Important to remember:

• Always wear an identification bracelet or necklace.

• Always carry sugar with you.

• Check blood glucose before driving; never drive when blood glucose is low.

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