How to Alleviate Hypoglycemia Symptoms

Hypoglycemia occurs when there is an overabundance of insulin and insufficient sugar in your bloodstream. According to the Mayo Clinic, blood sugar drops below 70 mg/dL during a hypoglycemia episode. This may occur when you haven't eaten enough, have skipped a meal, have increased physical activity without compensating with additional caloric intake, or have taken too much diabetes medications. Symptoms include shakiness, dizziness, headache, pallor, sweating, moodiness, jerky movements, seizure, confusion, inability to focus, or tingling sensations around the mouth.

Instructions

1. Ingest some form of sugar, such as 3 to 4 glucose tablets, 1/2 cup of fruit juice, 1/2 cup of regular soda, 5 sugar cubes, or 5 to 6 pieces of hard candy. According to the American Diabetes Association, ingesting sugar is the fastest way to raise your blood glucose and alleviate symptoms associated with hypoglycemia. It is a good idea to have some type of sugar on hand at all times in case of a hypoglycemic incident.

2. If you suffer from chronic hypoglycemia or are insulin-dependent, purchase a glucometer to regularly monitor your blood sugar levels. Check your blood glucose level if you think you are experiencing a hypoglycemic episode. If your blood glucose is lower than 70 mg, consume some sugar immediately. Recheck your blood glucose in fifteen minutes to ensure it has risen to a healthy level. Another serving of quick-fix sugar food should be consumed if it has not. Once blood sugar has risen to above 70 milligrams, have a snack if the next meal is more than an hour away.

3. Stay calm. Stress causes the body to release chemicals that increase the risk of hypoglycemic episodes as they metabolize. Practice slow deep-breathing exercises to combat periods of stress.

4. Lie down for about 20 minutes if you begin to feel ill. Raise your head slowly when you are ready to get up. Sit on the edge of the bed to acclimate yourself for a few minutes prior to attempting to stand.

5. Educate your family and friends so they know what to do in the event that you become confused or unconscious during a hypoglycemic episode. If you are conscious and able to cooperate with your treatment, they can provide you with a sugary food or beverage. Instruct them to call for immediate medical assistance if you lose consciousness.

6. Begin an exercise program. Exercise not only helps to fight stress, but also helps to regulate metabolism and helps to keep blood glucose levels in check.

Tips & Warnings

• Call the American Diabetes Association at 1 [phone] for more information about hypoglycemia.

• Consider wearing a Medic-Alert bracelet if you suffer from chronic low (or high) blood sugar.

• Always have a quick-fix sugar product available for emergencies.

• Call 911 immediately if a person with a history of hypoglycemia loses consciousness.

References

• American Diabetes Association - Hypoglycemia
• Mayo Clinic - How to Treat Low Blood Sugar
• National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse - Hypoglycemia