Diabetes -
Symptoms of low blood glucose (sugar) levels
A low blood glucose
level can occur when your blood glucose drops below a certain level
(usually less than 4 mmol/L).
This may be caused
by:
- Not eating enough food
- Missing or delaying a meal
- Exercising without taking the
necessary precautions
- Taking too much insulin
- Drinking alcohol.
*** Low blood
glucose can happen quickly, so it is important to take care of it
right away.
The warning signs
of a low blood glucose level
Note the symptoms
you are experiencing, this will help you to identify low blood sugar
in the future.
You may feel:
- Sudden severe hunger
- Shaky or light-headed
- Nervous or irritable
- Sweaty
- Weak
- Your heart beats at a faster
rate
- Confused
- A numbness or tingling in your
tongue or lips.
- headache
- unusually sleepy
- mood changes or swings
- sudden anxiety
- & even unconsciousness or coma
or seizures in extreme cases (Make sure you always wear
MedicAlert® identification)
*** IMPORTANT NOTE:
Some people do not have early warning signs of hypoglycemia. People
like this must check their blood sugar levels more often to avoid
this condition. It is of utmost importance for all persons with
diabetes to check their blood sugar levels before driving a motor
vehicle.
How to treat low
blood glucose
(As recommended by
the Canadian Diabetes Association)
Check your blood
glucose. If you do not have your meter with you treat the symptoms
anyway. It is better to be safe. Eat or drink a form of sugar such
as:
- 3 B-D Glucose Tablets™ or 5
Dextrose Tablets™
- 6 Life Savers TM
- 3/4 cup (175mL) of juice or
regular pop
- 1 tablespoon (15mL) of honey.
Wait 10 to 15
minutes, then test your blood glucose again.
