To keep our blood glucose within a target range, it should not be too high or too low. In case we have diabetes or someone we know, we must understand what hypoglycemia is.
Hypoglycemia occurs when the blood glucose levels are very low. Typically that is less than 70 mg/dl. It is important to consult with a doctor about our target when it comes to the levels of our blood glucose. (1)
Our doctor will tell us what level is too low for us. This condition can also be called insulin shock or an insulin reaction.
The symptoms are important clues to find out if we have low levels of blood glucose. And actually, the reaction to hypoglycemia is different for every individual. It is good that we learn and become aware of our symptoms and signs when we experience low blood glucose. (2)
The most accurate and sure way to find out whether we have hypoglycemia is to check the blood glucose. However, if we find ourselves in a situation where we are not able to do that we need to treat this condition. Severe cases of hypoglycemia can cause injuries, accidents, coma, and even worse. (3)
18 Symptoms and Signs of Hypoglycemia
- Unconsciousness;
- Shakiness;
- Seizures;
- Nervousness or anxiety;
- Crying out during sleep or nightmares;
- Sweating, clamminess, and chills;
- Lack of coordination;
- Impatience or irritability;
- Anger, sadness, or stubbornness;
- Confusion, including delirium;
- Weakness or fatigue;
- Rapid/Fast heartbeat;
- Headaches;
- Lightheadedness or dizziness;
- Tingling or numbness in the tongue or lips;
- Hunger and nausea;
- Blurred/impaired vision;
- Sleepiness.
4 Steps to Treat Hypoglycemia
#1 We need to consume 15 to 20 grams of simple carbohydrates or glucose. (4)
#2 Then, after 15 minutes we need to recheck the blood glucose. (5)
#3 If the hypoglycemia continues, we need to repeat this.
#4 Once it is at its normal target level, we can eat a snack in case the next meal we’ve planned is not for an hour or maybe two hours.
Commonly used 15 grams of simple carbohydrates:
- Gumdrops, jelly beans, hard candies (check the package to determine the amount we should consume);
- Glucose tablets (follow the instructions on the package);
- Eight ounces of nonfat or 1 percent milk;
- Gel tube (follow the instructions on the package);
- One tbsp. corn syrup, honey, or sugar;
- Two tbsp. of raisins;
- Four ounces (1/2 cup) of juice or regular soda (not diet).
Glucagon
If we experience hypoglycemia and do not treat it that might cause unconsciousness such as passing out, coma, and also it might cause a seizure. In this case, glucagon is a must. What is glucagon?
Glucagon is a hormone that helps and stimulates our liver to release the stored glucose in the bloodstream in times when the blood glucose levels are very low.
There are special injectable glucagon kits. These kits are used in the form of medication and are used to treat when someone passes out from an acute insulin reaction.
We need a prescription to have glucagon kits. We need to consult our doctor if we need one, and when and how to use this kit.
People who are infrequent and in constant contact with coworkers, significant others, and family members who have hypoglycemia should learn how to perform and put glucagon in case they need to treat serious hypoglycemic events.
In case we find ourselves in this type of situation, and the hypoglycemic person has a seizure or passes out and does not wake up, and there is no glucagon, or we do not know how to inject it, we should call 911.
If Glucagon Is Needed:
- Follow the instructions from the manufacturer and inject glucagon into the person’s thigh, buttock, or arm;
- When the person wakes up i.e. regains consciousness that is usually after 5 or in some cases 15 minutes, they might experience vomiting or nausea;
- In case we are individuals who need glucagon, we should consult our doctor and let him/her know about our situation and see what we can do to prevent future serious hypoglycemia.
Do Not:
- Put hands in the mouth (the person can choke);
- Inject insulin (will lower blood glucose even more);
- Provide food or fluids (the person can choke).
Hypoglycemia Unawareness
Checking our blood glucose levels is important. Why? Because we might be one of the many who experience hypoglycemia unawareness. The symptoms of this condition occur when the levels of blood glucose are below 70 mg/dl.
However, some people are below this particular level, and yet they have no symptoms. This is hypoglycemia unawareness. These individuals are likely to be awakened from sleep in case hypoglycemia happens at night.
Hypoglycemia Unawareness Occurs More Frequently With People Who:
- Have tight control over their diabetes (that can increase the chances of having reactions such as low blood glucose);
- Frequently experience episodes of low blood glucose (which might cause you to stop feeling the early signs of hypoglycemia);
- If individuals have had the disease for a long time.
We should consult our doctor in case we believe that we might have hypoglycemia unawareness. Our doctor can raise or adjust the targets of our blood glucose, and that can help us avoid future episodes.
Other Causes of Symptoms
Some people have symptoms of this condition even when the levels of their blood glucose are higher than the usual 70 mg/dl.
This occurs when a person has high blood glucose levels, and they suddenly start to go down. In case this happens, they need to talk to a doctor.
Medical IDs
Those with diabetes, especially those who use insulin, need to have at all times a medical ID with them. In the case of an emergency like a car accident or severe episode of hypoglycemia, a medical ID can be useful.
The medical ID can provide the emergency medical personnel with critical information about the individual’s health status, whether they have the disease, use or not use insulin, whether they have certain types of allergies, and more. (6)
Usually, medical IDs are worn as necklaces or bracelets. Traditional IDs have vital information about the health of an individual.
However, some modern and innovative IDs have compact USB drives. In the USB drive, there is a full medical record of an individual in case of an emergency. (7)
How to Prevent Low Blood Glucose?
The best thing to do is to control blood glucose levels and learn how to recognize symptoms of hypoglycemia to treat it early.
