How diabetics should manage low blood sugar episodes

A sudden spike or drop in the blood sugar level can be dangerous for those dealing with type 2 diabetes. It makes it vital for them to regularly monitor their blood sugar levels to avoid any unforeseen events. Most people take extra care of the spike in the blood sugar levels, unaware of the fact that a drop in it is equally harmful to health. Low blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia is a condition in which your glucose level drops to 70 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) or less. It leads to a set of symptoms like shakiness and dizziness, and feeling acutely ill. If not managed on time, the condition can lead to serious health concerns or can send a person into a coma.

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Our blood sugar level fluctuates throughout the day depending on the foods we eat and the activities we perform. When the blood sugar drops below the normal range it is referred to as hypoglycemia. The most common cause of hypoglycemia is the intake of excess insulin medications or fewer carbohydrate consumptions. Both the factors can lead to a drop in the blood sugar level to dangerous levels, increasing the risk of developing health complications. Hypoglycemia is a condition that requires immediate medical attention to avoid complications.

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When your blood sugar level drops, it leads to some obvious symptoms. The symptoms start to show up slowly, making it a little difficult to identify the reason behind it. The symptoms may include:

Shakiness

Nervousness

Sweating or chills

Irritability

Confusion

Fast heartbeat

Lightheadedness

Feeling hungry

Feeling nauseous

If left untreated, symptoms can lead to severe symptoms like:

Coordination problems

Nightmares

Seizures

Blurry vision

Slurred speech

Tingling or numbness in the face or mouth

Once you are able to successfully identify the symptoms of hypoglycemia, in most of the cases you can easily bring it back to normal on your own. The American Diabetes Association recommends the “15-15 Rule” for overcoming an episode of hypoglycemia:

Eat or drink 15 grams of carbs: To raise the blood sugar levels eat 15 grams of fast-acting carbs. These are sugary foods without protein or fat and are immediately converted into sugar in the body. Soft drinks, honey, and sugary candy are a few things you may have.

Check blood sugar levels: 15 minutes after having carbs check your blood sugar level. If it is still under 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), eat or drink another 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate and recheck the blood glucose level. Repeat the process till the time blood sugar level reaches above 70 mg/dL.

Have a meal or snack: Once your blood sugar level is back to normal, have a meal or snack to stabilise it and replenish your body's glycogen stores.

If your blood sugar level does not get balanced after three tries of the 15-15 rules or the symptoms get worse, without a delay call your healthcare provider. Healthcare providers can use a medication called glucagon or give an injection to raise the blood sugar level at home. To prevent episodes of hypoglycemia eat a healthy and well-balanced diet, exercise regularly and take your medication on time.