Monday, May 21, 2012

Low Blood Sugar | Hypoglycemia

Articles - Diabetes Articles
Friday, 26 June 2009 05:52

Low Blood Sugar or Low Glucose is called Hypoglycemia.  You experience this when there is too much insulin and too little glucose in your blood.  If your blood glucose level drops too low—it could result in unconsciousness, a condition sometimes called insulin shock or coma.

Hypoglycemia which is also called an insulin reaction, is most common among people taking insulin.  People that take oral meds that enhance the release of insulin are also at risk of hypoglycemia.  You can experience Low Blood Sugar for many reasons:

  • Skipping or delaying a meal
  • Not eating
    enough carbohydrates
  • Exercising longer than normal
  • Having too much insulin from not adjusting your medication when you experience changes in your blood glucose.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

Early Signs and Symptoms

  • Sweating
  • Weakness
  • Shakiness
  • Hunger
  • Visual Disturbances
  • Dizziness
  • Nervousness
  • Irritability
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Fast Heartbeat
  • Cold Clammy Skin

Later Signs and Symptoms

  • Slurred Speech
  • Drowsiness
  • Drunk Like Behavior (Cop miss this one all the time)
  • Confusion

Emergency Signs and Symptoms

  • Convulsions
  • Unconsciousness (coma) could be fatal

What Should You Do?

As soon as you suspect that your blood glucose is low, check your glucose level.  If it is below 70mg/dL, eat or drink something that will raise your level quickly. 

Good Examples:

  • Hard Candy..equal to 5 Life Savers
  • A regular (not diet) soft drink
  • Half a cup of fruit juice
  • Glucose tablets (nonprescription pills made especially for treating low blood glucose)

If after about 15 minutes you continue to experience symptom, repeat the treatment.  If they still don’t go away, contact your doctor or call for emergency assistance.

If you lose consciousness or for some other reason can’t swallow, you’ll need an injection of glucagon, a fast acting hormone that simulates the release of glucose into your blood.  Teach your close friends and family members how to give you the shot in case of an emergency. 
Also tell them to call 911 if you don’t regain consciousness quickly.

Glucose Emergency Kit

A glucose emergency kit includes the medication and a syringe.  The shot is easy to administer and is normally given in the arm, butt, thigh or the abdomen.  The medication starts to act in about 5 minutes.  If you take insulin, you should have a glucagon kit with or near you at all times.  It would be a good idea to have a few kits.  You can keep one in your car, at home, at work, and in your purse or sports bag.

What is Hyperglycemia

The medical term for high blood glucose—blood sugar that is above normal is Hyperglycemia.  Whether you have prediabetes or diabetes, you have hyperglycemia.  The key is to make sure that your blood glucose doesn’t get out of control.  If you have Diabetes, regularly testing your blood glucose and keeping it in the target range that your doctor recommends can help prevent serious hyperglycemia.  If hyperglycemia isn’t dealt with early, it can lead to  life threatening problems, such as hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

You need to take Low Blood Sugar and Hypoglycemia as a serous problem…Because it is.

This website is for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for professional or medical advice.

Technorati Tags: Low Blood Sugar,Hypoglycemia,Diabetes,Diabetic,Low Blood Glucose
 
Aviva Meter Kit

Diabetes Testing Supplies
at LITTLE or NO COST*
for Insurance Beneficiaries!†

The cost of your meter, test strips & lancets may be covered by Insurance.†

Fill out this form
or call 1-866-422-4866
to see if you qualify today.

First Name*

Please enter first name
Last Name*

Enter last name
Phone Number*

Enter phone number
Email Address

Please email address
Do you have Insurance?*



Invalid Input



By submitting this form you are authorizing Advanced Diabetes Supply to contact you by telephone. Please be assured that we value and protect your privacy. †For those who qualify. Co-Pays and Deductibles may apply.

Article Archives

Polls

What is the most Important Meter function to you?
 
*No cost meter offer available to those that qualify, dependent upon enrollment in our home delivery program. Co-pays and Deductibles may apply. Not available to current Advanced Diabetes Supply or North Coast Medical Supply patients. Terms and conditions apply. The information on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own physician or other health professional. You should not use the information contained on this site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. You should read carefully all product packaging. You should consult with a health care professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.