How to Treat Hypoglycemia in Diabetics

Hypoglycemia is a common condition for diabetics which typically involves feeling temporarily weak, tired, and shaky due to low blood sugar.

It is often associated with too much exercise without eating, or missing meals and snacks during the day.

Hypoglycemia can be treated quickly if acted upon at the first onset of symptoms.

Tips for Avoiding and Treating a Hypoglycemic Reaction

1. Always keep your blood sugar in check. If your glucose level is below 70 d/L, this is a sign of hypoglycemia. If left untreated, severe hypoglycemia can cause seizures and permanent brain damage.
2. Keep a regular eating schedule. If you have eaten a meal smaller or bigger than your body is accustomed to, you may experience shakiness, weakness, hunger, migraine, pale skin, fainting, and confusion.
3. Treat hypoglycemia immediately by consuming some type of sugar. A few hard candies, a glass of fruit juice, or a few glucose tablets are all effective food treatments. Keep a light snack on hand in case you experience the symptoms of hypoglycemia.
4. Check your blood glucose levels 20 minutes after eating sugar. If they are still low, try eating again. Once your levels are back to normal (over 100 mg/dL), or after about 30 minutes, eat a regular meal or snack. It’s a good idea to carry granola bars on hand just in case.

How to Prevent Weakness and Fainting

Eat a small snack before and after strenuous exercise to avoid feeling weak or faint.

If you have felt faint during previous episodes, it’s a good idea to carry an injection of glucagon with you. It pumps sugar into the blood faster than can eating a sweet snack. If the fainting spell continues, go to the hospital immediately.

If you experience weakness, it should subside after about 30 minutes, but refrain from physical activity for at least a few hours until your full strength is recovered.