Hypoglycemia, commonly referred to as “low sugar,” is a condition that occurs rapidly within a few minutes. The diagnostic criterion for hypoglycemia is a blood sugar level of less than 70 milligrams per deciliter. Hypoglycemia is highly likely to occur in patients with diabetes who use blood sugar-lowering medication or inject insulin, or when kidney function declines.
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia
In the early stages, when blood sugar levels are not very low, patients may have warning signs, including dizziness, palpitations, rapid heartbeat, feeling hungry, sweating, shaky hands, restlessness, nausea, numbness. If these symptoms are not quickly addressed, patients will start experiencing brain-related symptoms such as fatigue, confusion, headache, blurred vision, sleepiness. If it persists for a long time, the severity could increase, potentially leading to seizures or loss of consciousness.
Causes of Hypoglycemia in Diabetes Patients
- Taking medication in doses higher than prescribed
- Taking or injecting diabetes medication at incorrect times
- Exercising excessively or using too much energy
- Not eating on time or skipping meals
How to Prevent Hypoglycemia
- Eat meals at regular times and in similar quantities
- Take medication and injections in the correct dosage and at the correct times as prescribed by your doctor
- Consult with your doctor to reduce medication before strenuous activity or exercise and consume a snack before exercising
- Always carry sugar, candies, or fruit juice to consume in case of low blood sugar
- Educate those around you about low blood sugar symptoms, including how to recognize and provide first aid during emergencies
- Use a continuous glucose monitoring device that alerts you when blood sugar is low
- Prick your finger to check blood sugar levels when you have low sugar symptoms to confirm whether the levels are truly low, when they tend to drop, and how severe they are, so that your doctor can appropriately adjust medication
- Hypoglycemia can occur in diabetes patients. If untreated, it can be life-threatening. Being aware of the symptoms and maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels can help prevent severe hypoglycemia
Initial Correction of Hypoglycemia
- Quickly consume 15 grams of carbohydrates in one of the following forms, such as 3 candies, 30 cc of honey or syrup, half a glass of fruit juice or sugary drink, 1-2 bananas or oranges
- Monitor symptoms 15 minutes after consumption using a portable blood sugar testing device. If blood sugar levels are still low (below 70 milligrams per deciliter), consume again. If symptoms do not improve, promptly take the patient to the nearest hospital or call 1719
If the patient has severe hypoglycemia, such as losing consciousness or having seizures, address as follows:
- Keep the patient upright or elevate their head, then smear concentrated sweet water or syrup on the inside of their cheek, taking care to avoid choking
- Then urgently transport to the hospital
With best wishes from “Diabetes Clinic”
Internal Medicine Department | Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai
Phone: 052 089 888 or Call Center 1719
Line Official @bangkokchiangmai
