Low Blood Sugar

Hypoglycemia means that a blood sugar level (or glucose level) is less than 4.0 mmol/L Canadian measurement or less than 72mg/dL American. Who are those people with diabetes that are at risk for developing hypoglycemia? Anyone with diabetes who is taking insulin or oral antihyperglycemic agents (diabetes pills) are at risk when they:

- Eat less than planned or delay a meal too long
- Take more medication than planned
- Are more active than planned or
- Have alcoholic drinks without eating

The symptoms of low blood sugar can be frightening. The symptoms include:

- Shaking
- Fast heartbeat
- Sweating
- Hunger
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Headache
- Impaired vision
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Drowsiness/Fatigue

It is important that if you feel that your blood sugar is low or is changing rapidly that you immediately test your blood sugar level with your glucometer. That way you can treat hypoglycemia right away if it occurs.

Some people can develop something called "hypoglycemia unawareness". This occurs when people do not feel the early symptoms of mild-moderate blood sugar lows. Unawareness may develop if you have the tendency to have frequent lows. If you develop this, ensure you test your blood sugar often to know your blood sugar levels are.

For mild and moderate blood sugar lows:

Take 15 g of fast acting Carbohydrates. Choose one of the following:
- 3 glucose tablets (5g each)
- ¾ cup regular pop
- 3 tsp of sugar or honey
- 6 lifesavers
- You can discuss other options with your healthcare professional

It is important to remember that when you treat your hypoglycemia episode that you check your blood sugar again in 15 minutes. Treat again if blood glucose remain less than 4 mmol/L (70 mg/dL)

If a person is having a severe blood sugar low, they will need help to treat this. Here are the guidelines for the helper:

- If conscious and able to swallow: Give 20 g of a fast acting carbohydrate such as:

- 4 glucose tablets (5 g each) or
- 4 tsp of sugar or honey

If the person with low blood sugar is unconscious:

- Give glucagon injection or call 911
- Check the persons blood sugar again in 15 minutes. Treat again if blood glucose remains less than 4 mmol/L. Keep checking every 2 hours until it is stable.