Hypoglycemia is when our blood sugar levels drop below normal (it is the opposite of hyperglycemia). It is most often a complication of diabetes. Like hyperglycemia, this is easy to treat, but must be remedied quickly as it can become serious if left untreated.

CAUSES OF HYPOGLYCEMIA

Hypoglycemia occurs when diabetics take too much medication, miss or delay a meal, eat too little food (as compared to the amount of insulin taken) or exercise more than usual.

SYMPTOMS OF HYPOGLYCEMIA

Symptoms of mild hypoglycemia include sudden hunger, dizziness, shakiness, nervousness, pounding heartbeat, drowsiness or tiredness, sweating and numbness or tingling or the mouth or lips.

Symptoms of moderate hypoglycemia include personality change, headache, irritability, blurred vision, confusion or difficulty concentrating, poor coordination and slow or slurred speech.

Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia include passing out and convulsions. This requires emergency medical treatment.

TREATMENT OF HYPOGLYCEMIA

Before you treat for hypoglycemia, and if you are able, you should check your blood sugar level to make sure that you are indeed experiencing the signs of low blood sugar. Testing your blood sugar will indicate if what you are feeling is really a low blood sugar reaction.

Hypoglycemia can be treated by eating a food containing plenty of sugar. However, be careful not to 'over-treat' the condition, and eat too much. This may result in hyperglycemia. It takes about 15 minutes for sugar from the food to be absorbed before you feel the effect.

If you have glucose tablets or gel, take 15 grams. Wait 15 minutes, and retest your blood sugar levels. If they are still low, take another 15 grams of glucose.

If your blood sugar drops low enough that you pass out, it is helpful if the people with you know how to give a glucagon injection. In the event that you fall unconscious and require an injection, medial help should also be sought to monitor your condition.

PREVENTING HYPOGLYCEMIA

1. Eat and take your medications on time.

2. Make sure you eat enough food for the medication you are taking.

3. Do not drink alcohol without eating food.

4. Be prepared and carry some form of carbohydrates with you in case there is a meal delay.

5. Be aware of the time of day - if you are taking insulin, your blood sugar will b the lowest before a meal.

6. Plan your exercise. Eat more to cover unplanned exercise which may lower your blood sugar too much.

7. Report all unexplained hypoglycemia episodes to your doctor.

8. Check your blood sugar at bedtime, before your evening snack. If your reading is less than 120 mg/dL, you may need to eat a larger snack containing carbohydrates and protein.

9. If your morning sugar is high, you should check your blood sugar at 3:00 A.M. If your blood sugar is low at that time, you may need a smaller dose of intermediate insulin (NPH) or long-lasting insulin (Lantus or Ultralente) in the evening. These changes in insulin can be complicated, so discuss them with your doctor.

10. Family members and roommates should be aware of nightmares, night sweats, and seizures during the night. Morning headaches are also symptoms of night time hypoglycemia. They need to make you aware if these symptoms occur and be prepared to treat them with glucose tablets, gels or glucagon, if necessary.

Learn more about this author, Ruth Moran.
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