Hypoglycemia is a common problem for people living with type 1 diabetes. It occurs when a person has low blood sugar and is also known as diabetic hypoglycemia. It is sometimes referred to as having a hypo. Hypoglycemia occurs typically when the blood sugar drops below 4mmol/L (70 mg/dl), although this can vary from person to person. Sometimes symptoms may be felt when the blood sugar is higher than 4mmol/L (70 mg/dl).
What are the Causes of Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) in Diabetics?
Hypoglycemia may be caused by:
- unplanned physical exercise
- exercising without increasing the amount of carbohydrate eaten
- taking too much insulin or diabetes medicine
- missing a meal
- not eating enough carbohydrate
- drinking alcohol
- or a combination of the above
In many cases, there is no identifiable cause of hypoglycemia, and it can occur even when a person is tightly managing their diabetes.
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia in Diabetics
The symptoms of hypoglycemia may be mild, moderate or severe. Mild and moderate symptoms commonly include the following:
- shakiness
- sweating
- light headedness
- headache
- dizziness
- blurred vision
- lack of concentration
- clumsy or jerky movements
- pale skin color
- sudden moodiness or behavior changes
- tearfulness
- irritability
- hunger
- numbness or tingling around the lips and fingers
- difficulty paying attention
- confusion
If any of the above symptoms are recognized, ensure that you or the affected person are not operating any machinery or driving a vehicle.
Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia (if left untreated) may lead to a loss of consciousness, seizures, coma, and may even be fatal.
How to Treat Mild to Moderate Hypoglycemia in Diabetics
The fastest way to treat hypoglycemia in order to raise the blood sugar is to eat 15 to 20 grams of an easily consumable quick acting carbohydrate or sugar. This could be any of the following:
- 1/2 cup (4 oz) of fruit juice OR
- 1/2 cup (4 oz) of regular soda/soft drink (not "diet") OR
- 6-7 jellybeans OR
- glucose tablets equivalent to 15 grams carbohydrate OR
- 2 tablespoons of raisins OR
- 4 or 5 saltine crackers OR
- 3-4 teaspoons of sugar OR
- 1 tablespoon of honey or corn syrup
After one of the above has been consumed, wait 15 minutes and then check blood sugar levels. If the blood sugar has not risen and the symptoms of hypoglycemia are still present, repeat the treatment.
If the next meal is more than 20 minutes away, it is important to keep the blood sugar up. This can be done by consuming some long acting carbohydrate such as:
- 1 sandwich OR
- 1 cup of milk OR
- 1 piece of fruit OR
- 1 tub of natural yoghurt OR
- 6 small dry biscuits and cheese
How to Treat Severe Hypoglycemia in Diabetics
In cases of severe hypoglycemia where the person is unconscious, it is important to act immediately as follows:
- DO NOT give them any food or drink by mouth.
- DO NOT inject insulin.
- Place them on their side and ensure the airway is clear.
- Administer the hormone glucagon (only if available and you are trained to do this).
- Telephone emergency services and state "diabetic emergency."
- Wait with them until emergency services arrive.
Hypoglycemia Unawareness in Diabetics
Hypoglycemia unawareness is when a person has no symptoms of hypoglycemia and may lose consciousness without even knowing their blood sugar has dropped. This is more likely to happen to a person who has had diabetes for many years.
It can also occur due to a change in the hypoglycemic symptoms that the person has been accustomed to recognizing.
If a person is experiencing hypoglycemia without symptoms or has a change in symptoms, it is important that the blood sugar be checked more often. Any low blood sugar reading should be treated accordingly, even if there are no accompanying symptoms.
Managing Hypoglycemia in Diabetics
Hypoglycemia can be managed more efficiently by ensuring the following:
- Carry a quick-acting carbohydrate everywhere with you.
- Ensure family and friends know how to recognize and treat hypoglycemia.
- Ensure family and friends know how to use your blood sugar monitor.
- Keep a glucagon injection at home and ensure others have been trained on how to use it.
- Wear a bracelet or identification badge stating you have diabetes.
- Eat carbohydrates if you are drinking alcohol.
- Test your blood sugar regularly and always before driving a vehicle.
For more detailed information on diabetes and preventing, managing and treating hypoglycemia; always consult a doctor, endocrinologist, or diabetes educator.
Sources:
Blood Glucose Control. “Hypoglycemia (Low blood glucose)” (accessed November 25, 2010)
Blood Sugar Conversion. “Mmol/l to mg/dl” (accessed November 25, 2010)
Endocrine Disorders. “What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?” (accessed November 25, 2010)
Understanding Diabetes. “Hypoglycemia” (accessed November 25, 2010)
Christine Gillies - Christine Gillies is a freelance writer based in Sydney, Australia. She holds a Bachelor Degree of Science (Psychology) as well as a ...
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