What is Hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia occurs when blood glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L). It's most common in people with diabetes but can affect others under certain conditions.
Common Symptoms
-
Mild to Moderate:
- Shakiness or trembling
- Sweating
- Hunger
- Rapid heartbeat
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Confusion
-
Severe:
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulty speaking
- Blurred vision
Common Causes
- Skipping or delaying meals
- Taking too much diabetes medication
- Intense physical activity
- Alcohol consumption
- Certain medications
Treatment
Immediate Actions (15-15 Rule)
- Consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates:
- 4 glucose tablets
- 4 oz (120ml) of fruit juice
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- Wait 15 minutes
- Recheck blood sugar
- Repeat if necessary
Long-term Management
- Regular blood sugar monitoring
- Maintaining consistent meal schedules
- Carrying quick-acting glucose
- Wearing medical identification
Prevention
- Follow medication instructions carefully
- Eat regular, balanced meals
- Monitor blood sugar before exercise
- Keep a food/glucose diary
- Work closely with healthcare providers
When to Seek Medical Help
- Loss of consciousness
- Inability to swallow safely
- Symptoms that don't improve with treatment
- Recurring episodes without clear cause
Special Considerations
-
Driving: Always check glucose before driving
-
Exercise: Monitor levels before, during, and after activity
-
Alcohol: Never drink on an empty stomach
-
Night-time: Consider checking blood sugar before bed