LOW BLOOD SUGAR (HYPOGLYCAEMIA) - WatsonsHealth

LOW BLOOD SUGAR (HYPOGLYCAEMIA)

Low glucose, also referred as hypoglycemia or a “hypo”, is a condition wherein the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood drops too low. It mostly influences individuals with diabetes, particularly when they use insulin.

A low blood sugar can be risky if it’s not treated quickly, but you can effortlessly treat it yourself.

Here are some of its symptoms:

  • Hunger
  • Sweating
  • Tingling lips
  • Tremors
  • Dizziness
  • Feeling tired
  • A fast heart rate
  • Irritable
  • Weak
  • Pallor

DIAGNOSIS

If you utilize insulin or another diabetes medicine that is known to lower down glucose, and you have signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, test your glucose levels with a blood glucose meter. If the test result indicate low glucose levels (under 70 mg/dL), it should be treated.

If you don’t utilize medicines known to cause hypoglycemia, your doctor will need to know the following:

  • Your signs as well as your symptoms
  • Your blood sugar level when you are having these symptoms
  • The levels of your blood glucose when your symptoms change

Likewise, your doctor will have a physical examination and review your medical history.

 

TREATMENT

The treatment of low blood sugar levels is promptly starting treatment to raise your glucose level. This also means treatment of the underlying disease that is making your hypoglycemia recurrent.

The immediate treatment relies on your signs and symptoms. Early symptoms of hypoglycemia can be treated with fast acting carbs.

Fast-acting carbs are effectively converted to available sugar in the body, for example, glucose tablets or gel, juice, soda, and sugary treats. Do not consume fatty or high protein foods because they have no effects on sugar and will even consume it.

Recheck glucose levels 15 minutes after treatment. If blood glucose levels are still under 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), treat with another 15 to 20 grams of quick acting carbs, and recheck the glucose level again in 15 minutes. Repeat these until the glucose level is over 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L).

Once the glucose levels are back to normal, you should eat to help balance out your glucose levels. This additionally enables the body to renew glycogen stores that may have been exhausted with hypoglycemia.

 

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