WHAT IS HYPOGLYCEMIA?
DO I HAVE IT?

Diabetes Mellitus is a disorder that disrupts the way your body uses sugar. Sugar is used by your body to create and utilize energy in order for your cells to perform. Your body requires the perfect level of blood sugar in order to run smoothly. Otherwise, too high or too low blood sugar levels cause problems.

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Most diabetics that are diagnosed with the disorder are placed on medications to help lower blood sugar levels. Medications along with a low carbohydrate diet and exercise can manage, treat, and in some cases cure diabetes. The risk of taking medications that lower a person’s blood sugar is that a person can pass out or worse. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can be caused by taking too much diabetes medication, not eating enough food, exercising too much without eating a snack, exercising and not reducing your insulin dose, waiting too long to eat between meals, or drinking too much alcohol.

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Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar:

• Sweating

• Trembling

• Feeling hungry

• Feeling worried

• Trouble walking or talking

• Feeling weak or tired

• Trouble seeing clearly, blurry vision

• Confusion or acting in a strange way

• Dizziness or passing out

• Seizure or coma (most serious)

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Like the old saying in the medical field goes, “If he is cold and clammy, give him a piece of candy”. Meaning if you are sweating and trembling, most likely you need some sugar, because you’re hypoglycemic.

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Hypoglycemia is characterized by having blood sugar levels lower than 70 mg/dL or any level that leads to the symptoms mentioned above. Some individuals may become used to lower blood sugar levels, a condition known as "hypoglycemia unawareness," where they might experience more severe symptoms because they are unaware of their low blood sugar until it becomes severe.

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Conversely, certain individuals may become accustomed to high blood sugar levels. When they begin treatment, and their blood sugar levels start trending towards "normal" ranges, they might complain of feeling tired or weak. This is simply the body adjusting to appropriate blood sugar levels. With time, you become more attuned to different symptoms within your body and develop a keen sense of potential danger, especially when blood sugar levels drop.

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TREATMENT FOR HYPOGLYCEMIA : 

If you or someone you know is experiencing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), here are some steps that may help provide relief:

1. *Consume Fast-Acting Carbohydrates:* Take 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, such as Glucorade glucose tablets, fruit juice, or regular soda. This can help raise blood sugar levels quickly.

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2. *Rest and Relax:* Sit or lie down in a safe place and rest until you start feeling better.

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3. *Recheck Blood Sugar:* After 15 minutes of consuming the fast-acting carbohydrates, check your blood sugar levels to ensure it has increased to a safe range.

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4. *Eat a Snack:* Once your blood sugar has stabilized, eat a small snack containing a combination of carbohydrates and protein to prevent another drop in blood sugar.

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5. *Avoid Overeating:* Be cautious not to overeat or consume sugary foods in excess, as this may cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, leading to other complications.

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6. *Inform Others:* If you are with someone, inform them about your condition and the steps you are taking for hypoglycemia relief.

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7. *Seek Medical Attention:* If your blood sugar levels do not improve, if you are unable to eat, or if you feel faint or confused, seek immediate medical attention.

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Remember, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized plan for managing hypoglycemia and to address any underlying causes. If you have a history of severe hypoglycemia or are unsure about how to manage it, consult a medical professional promptly.

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