What is hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia,
also called low blood glucose or low blood sugar, occurs when blood glucose
drops below normal levels.
What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia causes symptoms such as
hunger
shakiness
nervousness
sweating
dizziness or light-headedness
sleepiness
confusion
difficulty speaking
anxiety
weakness
# Hypoglycemia can also happen during sleep. Some signs of
hypoglycemia during sleep include
crying out or having nightmares
finding pajamas or sheets damp from perspiration
feeling tired, irritable, or confused after waking up
Causes of Hypoglycemia
In people on insulin or pills that increase insulin
production, low blood glucose can be due to
meals or snacks that are too small, delayed, or skipped
increased physical activity
alcoholic beverages
Treatment for Hypoglycemia
When people think their blood glucose is too low, they
should check the blood glucose level of a blood sample using a meter. If the
level is below 70 mg/dL, one of these quick-fix foods should be consumed right
away to raise blood glucose:
3 or 4 glucose tablets
1 serving of glucose gel-the amount equal to 15 grams of
carbohydrate
1/2 cup, or 4 ounces, of any fruit juice
1/2 cup, or 4 ounces, of a regular-not diet-soft drink
1 cup, or 8 ounces, of milk
5 or 6 pieces of hard candy
1 tablespoon of sugar or honey
#The next step is to recheck blood glucose in 15 minutes to
make sure it is 70 mg/dL or above. If it's still too low, another serving of a
quick-fix food should be eaten. These steps should be repeated until the blood
glucose level is 70 mg/dL or above. If the next meal is an hour or more away, a
snack should be eaten once the quick-fix foods have raised the blood glucose
level to 70 mg/dL or above.
Normal and Target Blood Glucose Ranges
Normal Blood Glucose Levels in People Who Do Not Have
Diabetes
Upon waking-fasting 70
to 99 mg/dL
After meals 70
to 140 mg/dL
Target Blood Glucose Levels in People Who Have Diabetes
Before meals 70 to
130 mg/dL
1 to 2 hours after the start of a meal below 180 mg/dL
