Many people who have diabetes have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia or an insulin EACH DAY, SPEAK WITH YOU DOCTOR OR DIABETES EDUCATOR. …
PATIENT FAMILY EDUCATION / NYU Medical Center
LOW BLOOD SUGAR
Many people who have diabetes have low blood sugar hypoglycemia or an insulin reaction at some time The following is information about low blood sugar Most people find this confusing at first so feel free to discuss this with your nurse or physician if you do not completely understand this information In addition, you should know that some people have only one symptom, some have a few, and some do not have any symptoms Having no symptoms at all is a dangerous situation You should always treat low blood sugar levels less than 70 without experiencing symptoms Low blood sugar feels different to different people Learn to recognize your own particular symptoms USUAL EARLY SYMPTOMS:
SYMPTOMS
USUAL LATER SYMPTOMS: Blurred vision Restlessness Dizziness Behavior change Personality change Mild confusion Slurred speech Loss of consciousness fainting
Hunger Woozy feeling Cold sweat Weakness Shakiness Headache Nervous feeling Irritability Numbness of the mouth/lips Nightmares, night sweats
CAUSES
Delayed or skipped meals or snacks Not eating enough food at meals or snacks especially carbohydrates Too
much insulin or oral medication More exercise than usual Drinking alcohol without eating correct type and amount of food Certain medications
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PATIENT FAMILY EDUCATION / NYU Medical Center
TREATMENT
Whenever possible test your blood sugar Treatment will depend on your blood sugar level Guidelines are given for treatment when your blood sugar is less than 60, when it is between 60 - 80 and when it is above 80 Discuss with your physician if these guidelines are appropriate for you IF BLOOD SUGAR IS LESS THAN 60, DRINK OR EAT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: 4 oz fruit juice 4 oz regular soda 4 packs sugar 6-7 lifesavers 3-4 glucose tablets If you are unable to eat or drink, an injection of glucagon should be given, and someone should call your local emergency number for help NOTE: If you are on PRECOSE or GLYSET, you must treat low blood sugar with GLUCOSE tablets or gel NOTHING ELSE WILL WORK
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WAIT 10-15 MINUTES THEN TEST AGAIN
If the result is STILL LESS THAN 60 Repeat the treatment Wait another 10-15 minutes and test again Continue this until your blood sugar is over 60
If the result is BETWEEN 60-80
DRINK OR EAT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: 8 oz milk 1 slice of bread 6 saltines 1 roll 3 graham crackers Wait another 10-15 minutes and test again Continue this until blood sugar is over 80
Once your sugar is over 80, but if it is more than 1/2 hour until your next meal, have a snack such as crackers and peanut butter so your sugar doesnt get too low again IF BLOOD SUGAR IS 60-80 DRINK OR EAT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: 8 oz milk 1 slice bread 6 saltines 1 roll 3 graham crackers
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NOTE: If you are taking PRECOSE or GLYSET, you must treat low blood sugar with GLUCOSE tablets or gel NOTHING ELSE WILL WORK WAIT 10-15 MINUTES THEN TEST AGAIN If the result is STILL LESS THAN 80 Repeat the treatment 
Wait 10-15 minutes and re-test Continue this until blood sugar is 80 If the result is over 80, and if it is more than 1/2 hour until your next meal, have a snack such as crackers and peanut butter so your sugar doesnt get too low again IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS BUT YOUR BLOOD SUGAR IS 90 OR ABOVE Have a small snack such as crackers or milk Re-check your blood sugar after 20 minutes or so if the symptoms persist
Sometimes, if your
blood sugar changes quickly, you may experience low blood sugar symptoms but still have a normal glucose If you dont understand this, discuss it with your doctor or diabetes educator
If you are unable to test your blood sugar, follow the guidelines given for treating low blood sugar when your blood sugar is less than 60
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WHEN TREATING LOW BLOOD SUGAR, MORE IS NOT BETTER Do not add sugar to your juice Do wait 10-15 minutes for the treatment to take effect You will not feel better immediately; the food or liquid has to be absorbed before it can work
Do not use dietetic candies or diet soda as treatment, they will not work NOTE: If you are taking PRECOSE or GLYSET, you must take GLUCOSE tablets or gel
GLUCAGON
Family and friends should know how to recognize and treat the symptoms of low blood sugar In addition, someone close to you should know how and when to use Glucagon This is a medication given by injection which will raise your blood sugar It can be given to you if you are unable to treat yourself Speak with your Diabetes Educator about this so someone in your family can be taught how to use
glucagon
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
If you are found to be unconscious, and no one is able to give you glucagon, 911 or your local emergency number should be called Be sure your friends and family members know this IF YOU HAVE LOW BLOOD SUGAR FREQUENTLY OR AT THE SAME TIME EACH DAY, SPEAK WITH YOU DOCTOR OR DIABETES EDUCATOR
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PREVENTION OF LOW BLOOD SUGAR
The best treatment for low blood sugar is prevention: 1 Measure your insulin carefully and take it on time hypoglycemic medication on time as well Take your oral
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Eat your meals at regular times and find out what to do if a meal will be delayed Eat all the food groups, especially the carbohydrates, planned for each meal and snack Snack before and, if needed, during exercise Your need for a snack will depend on your blood sugar level and the type and duration of exercise Discuss the use of alcohol with your nurse or physician If you do drink, always eat something at the same time Be alert for signs and symptoms of low blood sugar It is easier to treat if symptoms are noticed early
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IN ADDITION:
1 2 3 Always carry a carbohydrate snack Always wear diabetes
identification such as Medic-Alert bracelet or necklace Carry a cell phone or change with you in case you need to make a telephone call Educate family members, friends and co-workers on symptoms and treatment for low blood sugar
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Source:enc-online.org
