How to Prevent a Hypoglycemic Episode
Hypoglycemic episodes occur when the blood sugar level is too low. An episode may include dizziness, disorientation, even fainting or seizures. To prevent a hypoglycemic episode, it is important that blood glucose be kept level. Moderation and common sense go a long way in keeping your blood sugar level.
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Things You'll Need
- Pocket spiral notebook
- List or booklet with suggested foods and menus for maintaining blood sugar levels
Instructions
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Prevent A Hypoglycemic Episode with Diet
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Plan all meals and snacks in advance. Know what, when and where you are going to eat.
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Keep to your meal and snack schedule and do not skip meals. Keep amounts and types of food (protein, grain and others) consistent every day.
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Get a list of recommended foods for meals and snacks from your doctor or dietitian. This list should have menus with several suggestions each for breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks.
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Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Both can create sudden spikes and troughs in blood sugar levels.
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Gauge your activity level. If you are planning on playing sports or doing some heavy home repair, add an extra snack to your schedule.
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Keep a small portable snack (like a granola bar) handy at all times. Break it out at the first sign of hypoglycemic symptoms.
Prevent a Hypoglycemic Episode by Keeping Records
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Buy a pocket spiral notebook and keep it with you. Write down everything you eat and at what time you eat.
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Keep track of your physical activity in the notebook, especially anything unusually strenuous.
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Note the days and times when you experience hypoglycemic episodes. Compare them with your food intake and level of activities.
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Find patterns in what you ate or did before the hypoglycemic episode and take note of these details.
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Avoid that pattern. Actively work to replace a particular food or combination of food and activity with something healthier.
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Find more facts about preventing hypoglycemic episodes at Health-Cares (see Resources below).
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Tips & Warnings
Consult a dietitian. Your doctor can recommend one. A dietician can give you specific facts and suggestions for controlling hypoglycemia.
Look for a public workshop on hypoglycemia.
Avoid shocking your sugar levels with impulsive trips to the donut shop or skipping a meal because you are "too busy."
Never ignore hypoglycemic symptoms (sweating, headache, poor muscle control). These symptoms mean your brain is in trouble. Sit down and eat something right away.
