Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is a low level of blood sugar - a dangerous condition because glucose is the major source of energy for the brain. Lack of glucose, like lack of oxygen, can produce brain damage or even death. Hypoglycemia can occur after insulin excess and/or inadequate glucose intake, among other causes. These situations are common in people with diabetes who receive too much insulin or who don't eat enough.

Who is at risk for hypoglycemia?
True hypoglycemia usually occurs in patients being treated for diabetes (type 1 and type 2). Patients with pre-diabetes who have insulin resistance can also have low blood sugar on occasion if their high circulating insulin levels are exacerbated by fasting.

Despite advances in the treatment of diabetes, hypoglycemic episodes are often the limiting factor in achieving optimal blood sugar control. Hypoglycemia happens from time to time to everyone who has diabetes.

What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?
The symptoms of hypoglycemia can vary from person to person, as can the severity. Common symptoms of hypoglycemia include:

• Pale skin color
• sweating
• tremors
• anxiety
• hunger
• dizziness
• headache
• cloudy vision
• confusion and difficulty paying attention
• abnormal behavior
• convulsions
• loss of consciousness
• Sudden moodiness or behavior changes, such as crying for no apparent reason
• Tingling sensations around the mouth

What should you do if hypoglycemia occurs?

The quickest way to raise blood glucose and treat hypoglycemia is with some form of sugar, such as eating several glucose, drinking a 1/2 cup of fruit juice, or eating 5-6 pieces of hard candy. Know what foods raise blood sugar quickly, and be sure you always have at least one type of sugar with you.

Once you've checked your blood glucose and treated your hypoglycemia, wait 15 or 20 minutes and check your blood again. If your blood glucose is still low and your symptoms of hypoglycemia don't go away, repeat the treatment. After you feel better, be sure to eat your regular meals and snacks as planned to keep your blood glucose level up.

It's important to treat hypoglycemia quickly because hypoglycemia can get worse and you could pass out. If you pass out, you will need immediate treatment, such as an injection of glucagon or emergency treatment in a hospital. Glucagon, which raises blood glucose, is injected like insulin.