Understanding Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia and blood sugar levels

Blood sugar levels are constantly changing, which is why it is important to monitor them often. When blood sugar levels are below 70 mg/dL, they are considered too low and may be harmful. This condition is called hypoglycemia.

People with diabetes may get hypoglycemia by:

• Taking too much insulin or diabetes medicine
• Not eating enough food
• Being very physically active without eating enough

When people with diabetes sleep, their blood sugar levels may go down. This may lead to nighttime, or nocturnal, hypoglycemia.

Hypoglycemia symptoms

Symptoms of hypoglycemia may include:

• Irritability
• Feeling anxious or confused
• Cold sweats
• Shaking or convulsions
• Tingling or numbness

Hypoglycemia can also become more serious, and may lead to fainting, seizures, or even coma.

Preventing hypoglycemia

It is better to prevent low blood sugar in the first place than to treat it. Checking blood sugar levels often, including during exercise, can help people with diabetes address blood sugar levels.

Having snacks available at all times is also important for controlling blood sugar levels. A snack at bedtime may help prevent nighttime hypoglycemia.

Treating hypoglycemia

When someone with diabetes has hypoglycemia, it should be treated right away.

People with diabetes who have hypoglycemia should eat something that has about 15 grams of carbohydrates. These may be:

• 3 glucose tablets
• Sugar, honey, or syrup (1 tbsp)
• 5 or 6 hard candies
• 1/2 cup (4 oz) of fruit juice or regular, non-diet soda

Wait about 15 minutes to see how you feel before eating any more. Next, test your blood glucose again. If it's still low, take another 15 grams of carbohydrates. Test again 15 minutes later. Eating too much sugar can end up raising blood sugar levels too high. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for treating low blood sugar. Talk to your healthcare provider if low blood sugar is a problem for you.

Severe low blood sugar can cause unconsciousness (passing out), seizures, and death. People with severe hypoglycemia may be treated with glucagon injections, or glucose injections at a hospital. If your loved one has severe hypoglycemia, seek immediate help. You should also talk to your doctor about getting an emergency glucagon kit.

You may also want to consider how low blood sugar can affect a loved one emotionally. Take some time to find out about how factors such as having low or high blood sugar may affect his or her behavior, activity level, or appetite.