Hypoglycemia (Low Glucose)

HYPOGLYCEMIA (LOW GLUCOSE)

Low glucose = glucose less than 70 mg/dL

If you take insulin or some diabetes medicines, your glucose may drop too low, which can occur very quickly. This is called hypoglycemia or an insulin reaction

SYMPTOMS

dizziness, blurred vision, headache, shakiness, fast heart beat, sweatiness, irritability, fatigue

+ Too much insulin or some diabetes medicines

+ More exercise or activity than usual

+ Not enough food or skipping a meal

+ Drinking alcohol without enough food

PREVENTING LOW GLUCOSE

+ Eat at regular times – do not skip meals

+ Plan your exercise

+ Only drink alcohol with food

+ Keep a glucose log to see patterns or trends

+ Take medicine as prescribed

+ Always carry glucose tablets or a quick soure of carbohydrate

+ Wear easily seen identification indicating that you have diabetes

+ If you take insulin, ask your healthcare provider about having glucagon on hand

+ Too much insulin or some diabetes medicines

+ More exercise or activity than usual

+ Not enough food or skipping a meal

+ Drinking alcohol without enough food

TREATING LOW GLUCOSE

Rule of 15 Based on the ADA Standards of Care

1. Take 15-20 grams of carbohydrates.
2. Wait 15 minutes
3. Recheck glucose. It should be above 70 mg/dL
4. Repeat, if glucose has not increased
5. After two treatments with carbohydrates, if glucose is not above 70 mg/dL, call your healthcare provider or 911

Note: If your glucose returns to normal, but it will be more than 30 minutes until your next meal, eat a snack that contains protein and carbohydrates (such as half a sandwich).

Examples of 15-20 Grams of Carbohydrates

photo 1: half cup of juice
photo 2: one cup of milk
photo 3: one small piece of fruit
photo 4: one cup of light yogurt
photo 5: two tablespoon of one small box of raisins
photo 6: three glucose tablets
photo 7: half cup of sugar-free pudding

GLUCAGON

Glucagon is a hormone made in the pancreas. It raises glucose when levels drop too low. When an unconscious person is not able to swallow a fast acting carbohydrate, glucagon can be given. The glucagon kit has to be prescribed by a healthcare provider. Like an insulin injection, it is given with a syringe or through the nose (Baqsimi-nasal powder). A family member or friend needs to learn how to give the injection or give through the nose. This glucagon kit is only used in an emergency. Always check its expiration date.