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Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): how to recognize it and what to do
low blood sugar · hypo · sugar dropped · hypoglycemia
This is when the sugar in your blood gets too low. It happens more often to people who inject insulin or take some diabetes pills.
Everyone who treats diabetes and their families should know this.
⏱ Duration: help takes 15 to 30 minutes, and sugar usually rises within 10 to 15 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Sweets with you. Always carry fast sugar: glucose tablets, sugar, juice or sweet non-diet fizzy drink.
- Glucose meter. Keep it close at home, in your bag and in the car.
- Family. Tell your family and coworkers what low blood sugar looks like and how to help.
- Plan. Ask your doctor whether you need an emergency injection and how to use it.
What to bring
- A glucose meter
- Fast sugar
- A note or bracelet saying "I have diabetes"
How it goes
- Signs: shaking, sweating, strong hunger, fast heartbeat, weakness, irritability
- Check your sugar - low is usually below 3.9 mmol/L
- Eat or drink fast sugar, about 15 grams of carbohydrate
- Check your sugar again after 15 minutes
- If it is still low, repeat
- When your sugar has risen, eat bread or a normal meal if the next one is far off
- If the person cannot swallow or is unconscious, lay them on their side and call your local emergency number
What you'll feel
- With low sugar it is hard to think - this is normal, follow your plan
- After an episode you may feel weak and have a headache
Afterwards
- Write in your diary when sugar was low and what happened before
- Do not drive until your sugar is back to normal
- Tell your doctor if it keeps happening - they may change your treatment
Contact a doctor straight away if
- The person is unconscious or having seizures - call your local emergency number, and give nothing by mouth
- Sugar does not rise after two tries
- The person is confused, acting strangely and cannot eat on their own
Common questions
Can I raise my sugar with chocolate?
Chocolate works slowly because of the fat. Juice, sugar or glucose tablets are better.
Why does low sugar happen at night?
For example after exercise, alcohol or a skipped dinner. Tell your doctor - they will say what to change.