Anyone who has been given insulin or a similar type of treatment can have a low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. While it is possible to develop hypoglycemia without diabetes, it is most common in people with diabetes. For diabetics, blood sugars below 70 mg/dl are considered low. However, a true low blood sugar starts at 60 mg/dl, which is a level that is not likely to occur in individuals who do not have diabetes or another related disorder. *Please note, that some individuals may begin treating their low blood sugars at different mg/dl based upon their doctors recommendation. Please consult your doctor for your own individualized treatment plan.
There are several main causes of a low blood sugar:
Exercise
Too much Insulin
Taking a bath, shower, or going in a hot tub
Illness
Late or missed meals/snacks
Alcohol
Frequent signs of a low blood sugar:
Hunger
Feeling Shaky, sweaty, or weak
Confusion
Sleepiness
Changes in behavior or mood
Double Vision
If an individual is experiencing hypoglycemia, often doctors will refer to the "rule of 15." Which is to take 15g of rapid-acting carbohydrates and recheck the blood sugar level in 15 minutes. If lows are not treated, eventual loss of consciousness or a seizure can occur.
Some 15g of carb Snacks:
3 glucose tablets
half cup/ 4 oz of fruit juice
6 or 7 hard candies
15-17 grapes
6 Jelly Beans
5 lifesavers
It is important to not over treat lows. Someone with diabetes can become extremely hungry when experiencing hypoglycemia. Most diabetics will refer to this moment of time in which they feel the urge to "eat the refrigerator" in order to reduce the above symptoms. If one over treats, they will have a rebound high and will need to treat with insulin.
If a person with diabetes has a severe low blood sugar and is not able to be treated, glucagon can be used. Glucagon is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar. in cases of severe hypoglycemia, a person can inject, or use an inhaler to provide glucagon treatment.
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