Hypoglycaemia

Feeling a little shook up?

Hypoglycemia literally means “under-sweet blood”. It is a pathologic state that occurs when your blood glucose level drops too low, usually less than 4mmol/L. There are many causes and it can happen at any age to anyone. When you have diabetes mellitus, it can become a moderate to severe problem if it is not treated and can be due to a complication of your treatment with insulin or oral medications and even from some everyday factors that may come into play.

Some factors that may lend to low blood glucose levels include:

-Taking too much insulin
-Missing or delaying your meals
-Not eating enough food
-Exercising without taking the proper precautions
-Drinking Alcohol

What’s Happening?

When your Blood Glucose Levels begin to drop, adrenaline and glucagons, your hormonal defense mechanisms are triggered if it falls below a level of 55mg/dl. If you are diabetic, hypoglycemia will have a greater chance of developing into a more serious issue/impairment if not treated in comparison to that of someone who is not diabetic.

Be on alert!!… Warning signs include:

-Feeling Hungry
-Nervousness
-Irratability
-Low attention
-Feeling confusion
-Difficulty in concentration
-Feeling unsually tired
-Weakness
-Dizziness
-Shakey
-Sweaty, feeling flush and warm
-Increase in your heart rate
-palpations
-Nauseous
-Experiencing difficulty in seeing or speaking
-Numbness or tingling in the toung or lips

These symptoms can range from feeling bad, to more serious situations such as coma or death, and since many people don’t always have an early warning signs so it is vital to always check and monitor your levels.

Getting it under control

There are a number of things you can do to get your Blood Glucose Levels back on track.
Your doctor, dietican or diabetes clinic, will be able to give you charts, tips and references to keep on hand and in mind at all times.

One very important tip that is offered is to involve a loved one in the education of Hypoglycemia. You may not be always in a position to treat yourself when you’re Blood sugars drop and your loved one need to know how to care and help you through this, either by getting you medical treatment or knowing the following tips. Even if you don’t have a meter handy, no chances should be taken, treat the symptoms regardless.

THINGS YOU SHOULD DO

-ALWAYS HAVE SOME OF THE LISTED ITEMS ON HAND. DON’T LIMIT YOURSELF TO JUST ONE OR TWO, TRY TO KEEP A GOOD MIXTURE FROM SOME OF THE CATEGORIES MENTIONED.
- CREATE A PLACE FOR YOURSELF IN THE FRIDGE OR CUPBOARD WITH THE SPECIAL PURPOSE OF TREATING LOW BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS.
-ALWAYS HAVE THEM HANDY IF YOU’RE AT WORK, SHOPPING OR JUST OUT FOR THE DAY. CANDIES ARE GREAT FOR THESE TIMES.

TREATING YOUR SYMPTOMS:

1. EAT OR DRINK 15 GRAMS OF CARBS.
2. INGEST 15 GRAMS IN THE FORM OF GLUCOSE TABLETS
3. DRINK 175ML WHICH IS ¾ OF A CUP OF JUICE OR REGULAR POP.
4. 15ML OF HONEY
5. 6 LIFESAVORS
6. 15ML OF TABLE SUGAR DISSOLVED IN WATER.

START TIMING!!!

Don’t think that just treating is enough. It is important to retest and know where you stand!!!!!! Wait 10-15 minutes retest. If you are still below 4.0mmol/L treat again. Make note of when you will be having your next meal and have a snack if it is more than one hour away.

When Blood Glucose Levels drop very low you may:

-Lose Consciousness or
-Become dazed and confused
-Could possibly have a seizure

This is an emergency situation and you will require assistance to treat this.

ALWAYS WEAR A MEDIC ALERT BRACELET!!

This will be a life saver if you are not at home. The importance of one is never to be underestimated.

Knowing the signs and having a heightened awareness of your body will be very important in your maintaining your Blood Glucose Levels. Plan to have regular meal times, making sure they are balanced and know the precautions you should take before exercising and more strenuous physical activates.