How to Identify Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, occurs in 90 percent of insulin-dependent diabetics. Hypoglycemia is not something that most of the rest of us have to worry about. However, if you are experiencing certain unexplainable symptoms, talk to your doctor about having your blood sugar measured.

Things You'll Need

• Blood Sugar Test
• Glucometer

Instructions

1. Evaluate yourself for subjective symptoms of hypoglycemia. They can include unexplained weakness, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, irritability, headache, and/or hunger. If these symptoms diminish or go away if you eat something containing sugar, you may have hypoglycemia.

2. Look for objective symptoms of hypoglycemia. They can include paleness, sweating, increased heart rate, cold and clammy skin, loss of consciousness, or even coma. If these symptoms go away when you eat something containing sugar, you could be hypoglycemic.

3. Consider other options: Could you be pregnant? Are you a chronic or binge drinker? Are you on a prolonged fast? Have you recently been prescribed beta blocker medication? Have you been exercising strenuously? All of these conditions can cause hypoglycemia.

4. Have a blood sugar test done if you suspect you may be hypoglycemic. For women, a blood sugar reading of 45 mg/dL or lower indicates hypoglycemia. For men, blood sugar measuring 55 mg/dL or lower indicates hypoglycemia.

5. Consider getting an annual blood sugar screening test. If you test frequently, you'll learn if you run naturally high or low.

Tips & Warnings

• For more information about low blood sugar, call the American Diabetes Association at [phone].

• If you are concerned that you may have hypoglycemia, consider buying yourself a glucometer. This is a small, handheld machine that reads blood sugar. It is available without a prescription at most pharmacies and costs less than $100.

• Community health fairs, often held at malls and most senior citizen centers, offer blood sugar tests for little or no cost.

• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.