By Deepak Pagare
Low blood sugar or Hypoglycemia happens when the blood sugar level drops below 70 mg/dL. it’s common in type 1 diabetes people.
As a person what do i need to know about low blood sugar?
Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar maybe caused by:
- Taking too much insulin
- Too little carbohydrate
- Unplanned exercise and activities
- Missed or delayed meals/snacks
- Drinking alcohol
What are symptoms of low blood sugar?
- Sweating
- Blurry vision
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Hunger
- Irritability
- Shakiness
- Fast heartbeat
- Headache
- Weakness fatigue
What to do if a person has low blood sugar?
How to cope with hypoglycemia or low blood sugar?
When a hypoglycemia does happen it is very important to act quickly:
- Persons blood sugar level should be checked
- Ensure that the person consumes a fast acting carbohydrate
- Listen to the person, don’t ignore his/her needs or his/her friends worries
- Follow with a snack or meal if due
- Be aware of the level of consciousness of the person.
- If the person is unconscious seek immediate medical attention and contact his/her family.
- Ensure that the person is supervised during hypoglycemia and until recovery.
- Check again after 15 minutes.
- The person’s blood sugar level should be checked. if still low, repeat the treatment.
- If its child, inform the parents that their child had a low blood sugar.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/low-blood-sugar.html Accessed: 15 Jan,2024
www.diabetesatlas.org. Accessed: 15 Jan,2024