How to Fight Diabetes Low Blood Sugar

Oct 29, 2010 by Emilia

Diabetes management focuses on lowering high blood sugar, but there is an opposite effect called a hypoglycemic reaction or diabetes low blood sugar that can be equally dangerous. Especially for people who have had diabetes for a long time or who take medication or insulin, being able to recognize and treat hypoglycemia is crucial.

What is diabetes low blood sugar or hypoglycemia?

As the name suggests, hypoglycemia means low blood sugar (hypo means low and glycemia means sugar). Hypoglycemia symptoms is one of the most common, and most dangerous, side effects of any medication for lowering blood glucose.

If you are diabetic, your goal of treatment is to lower blood glucose levels to as close to normal as possible. If the treatment plan includes insulin and/or one of the insulin-stimulating medications (a sulfonylurea or glitinide) then you are at risk for hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can occur if:

1.       You take too much insulin or too large dose of medication

2.       Miss or delay a meal

3.       Eat too little food for the amount of insulin or pills taken

4.       Increase your normal level of activity

5.       Drink alcohol

6.       Or any combination of these factors.

The normal range for blood glucose is 70 to 99 mg/dl. If your blood glucose falls below this level, you are in trouble. Your brain and nervous system depend solely on glucose for energy. When this happens, the brains sends out emergency signals in an attempt to raise the glucose level; as a result, your alpha cells, located in your pancreas, release glucagon, which signals your liver and muscles to release the glucose stored in those organs (glycogen).

Meanwhile, the body releases the hormone epinephrine which increases your hunger and causes a resistance to insulin. Other hormones, cortisol among them, are also released to counteract insulin and raise your blood glucose levels.

Symptoms of diabetes low blood sugar or hypoglycemia

As a result of all this commotion in your body, you have some external symptoms. Early symptoms caused by the release of epinephrine are:

dizziness

1.       Dizziness

2.       Pale or flushed face

3.       Irritability

4.       Hunger

5.       Sweating

6.       Rapid heartbeat

7.       Fatigue or weakness

8.       Nervousness or anxiety

9.       Shakiness

Later symptoms caused by the decreased availability of glucose to your brain:

1.       Headache

2.       Blurred vision

3.       Slurred speech

4.       Confusion

5.       Euphoria

6.       Hostility

7.       Lack of coordination

8.       Drowsiness

9.       Convulsions

10.   Loss of consciousness

How do you fight diabetes low blood sugar?

As soon as you recognized the first symptoms of low blood sugar or hypoglycemia, take action. Do not wait! Food is the best remedy, but not just any food. You want something that will get into your system fast and will raise your glucose levels quickly. Simple carbohydrates and liquid carbohydrates are your best choices in this regard. Eat 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate. That is equal to any of the following:

1.       3-4 glucose tablets

2.       4 ounces of fruit juice

3.       5 sugar cubes

4.       1 small box of raisins

5.       1 cup of skim milk

6.       1 tablespoon of honey

7.       6 hard candies

Wait 15 minutes, then check your blood glucose again. If your symptoms persist or your blood sugar is less than 70, eat another 15 grams of the above carbohydrates. If a person is unable to swallow or becomes unconscious, a glucagon injection must be given immediately.

If symptoms are gone and it is more than one hour from a meal-time, eat a small snack that includes protein, fat and carbohydrate, such as a turkey sandwich with mayo.

Final thoughts

If you take insulin or an insulin-stimulating medication, you can reduce your risk of hypoglycemia by preparing yourself ahead of time. Check your blood glucose levels frequently and be ready for situations that may trigger low blood sugar levels. Learn how to recognize the symptoms and always carry some form of sugar with you. And last but not least, teach friends and family how to recognize symptoms of low blood sugar and how to help if you hit a low.

To your health!

Emilia Klapp, R.D., B.S.
www.TheDiabetesClub.com

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• diabetes
• diabetes low blood sugar
• hypoglycemia

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