How to Treat a low blood glucose

Hypoglycemia is a condition that occurs when there is too much insulin and not enough glucose (sugar) in the blood. This condition is most common in diabetics, particularly those taking insulin. Poor eating habits, mismanagement of diabetes medications and alcohol consumption can cause hypoglycemia in a diabetic. When blood glucose levels get too low, the body releases adrenaline in an attempt to get reserve supplies of glucose into the system. This adrenaline release can cause shakiness, irritability and rapid heart beat. Other symptoms include loss of coordination, loss of motor skills, loss of consciousness, dizziness, weakness, headache, confusion and seizures. Treatment of acute hypoglycemia is very simple, but must be monitored closely. Read on to learn how to treat a low blood glucose level.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Blood sugar test kit
• Candy
• Fruit juice
• Regular soda
• Pure sugar or jelly
• Glucose tablets
• Glucagon injection

1. Using the blood sugar test kit, check blood glucose levels. If the meter indicates a blood glucose level below 70 mg/dl, it is too low.

2. Eat or drink something with a high sugar content such as candy, cake frosting, fruit juice, regular soda (nothing diet), 1 tbsp. of pure sugar or jelly or three glucose tablets.

3. Wait 15 to 20 minutes and test blood sugar again.

4. If blood glucose levels are still too low, repeat Step 2.

5. If person is lethargic or unconscious, glycogen should be given through injection. Know that 10 to 15 minutes after receiving the injection, the person should show significant signs of improvement. This includes awakening, if they had been lethargic or unconscious. At this point, administer sugar orally and contact a health care professional.

6. Make an appointment with the doctor to discuss bouts of hypoglycemia and how to best control or prevent them.

Tips & Warnings

• Invest in a medical alert bracelet that indicates a diabetic condition so that a diagnosis can easily be made should confusion or loss of consciousness occur.
• Carry a blood sugar test kit and a sugary item at all times.
• Educate family, friends, coworkers, caregivers and school teachers about the symptoms of hypoglycemia, when to administer sugar orally, when to give a glycogen injection, and when to seek emergency help.
• Basic lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the number and frequency of hypoglycemic episodes. Suggested changes are long-term meal planning, careful planning of periods of exercise and how they coincide with meals, communication with health care professionals about medication types and dosage, and good record keeping of bouts of hypoglycemia to help determine causes.
• Never attempt to give sugar orally to someone who is sleepy or unconscious. This can be very dangerous.
• Proper and strict management of diabetes medications is mandatory for effective control of blood sugar levels. Proper treatment and control of hypoglycemia is necessary because, although rare, severe cases can be fatal.
• Alcohol consumption can contribute to hypoglycemia. Diabetics should limit alcohol intake.
• Some medications, including those used to treat heart conditions and high blood pressure, may mask symptoms of low blood sugar.
• In some cases of hypoglycemia, especially in people taking insulin, hospitalization may sometimes be necessary. Glucagons may be administered intravenously.

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