Understanding Low Blood Sugar Conditions
Low blood sugar condition (Hypoglycemia) is a condition where the body has a blood sugar level of less than 70 milligrams/deciliter, often causing symptoms such as shaky and fatigued, which can arise from various causes. This condition is highly likely to occur in diabetic patients who are taking blood sugar-lowering medications or insulin injections.
Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar
- Sweating
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Cold skin
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Frequent hunger
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Fast heartbeat
- Coma
Initial Self-Care and Treatment for Low Blood Sugar
1) Have the patient consume food that contains 15 grams of carbohydrates. The quantity of food that contains 15 grams of carbohydrates includes:
- 3 pieces of toffee
- 180 milliliters of squeezed orange juice
- 3 teaspoons of honey
- 1 slice of bread
- 2 scoops of ice cream
- 1 banana
***Choose one of the above options. Symptoms often improve within 20 minutes after consuming the mentioned amount of food.
2) Monitor the glucose level in the blood using a glucose meter every 20 minutes after first consuming food that contains carbohydrates.
3) Have the patient consume food that contains 15 grams of carbohydrates again if the glucose level in the blood is still less than or equal to 70 milligrams/deciliter.
4) When the patient’s condition improves and the glucose level in the blood is equal to or more than 80 milligrams per deciliter, immediately continue to eat meals when it’s time for the main meals or if waiting for the main meal time is more than 1 hour, consume snacks that contain 15 grams of carbohydrates and protein to prevent recurrent low blood sugar conditions.
