According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, means that blood sugar levels have dropped below normal. Blood sugar, or glucose, is the main energy source in the body, and when dropped to low levels the brain can not function properly. Symptoms such as confusion, abnormal behavior, sweating, visual disturbances, hunger, tremors, heart palpitations and even loss of consciousness may occur, so low blood sugar needs to be treated immediately. Those who take insulin, such as those with diabetes, may be at risk for developing hypoglyemic blood sugar levels and should be monitored closely.
Step 1
Check blood sugar. If signs and symptoms of low blood sugar are present, immediately check blood glucose levels. According to the American Diabetes Association, normal glucose ranges between 70 to 100 mg/dl, therefore any level below 70 indicates hypoglycemia.
Step 2
Consume 15 g of carbohydrate either by eating three or four glucose tablets, one serving of glucose gel, 1/2 cup juice or regular soft drink, five or six pieces of hard candy or 1 tbsp. of sugar or honey. According to the NDIC, the 15 g of carbohydrate should be consumed immediately. The item eaten should not contain protein or fat, as these nutrients will cause the blood sugar level to rise more slowly than pure carbohydrates.
Step 3
Wait 15 minutes. It takes 15 minutes for 15 g of carbohydrate to raise the blood sugar level 15 mg/dl. Consuming more than 15 g in a short period of time can cause the blood sugar level to rise too high, causing hyperglycemia, which can be harmful as well.
Step 4
Recheck blood sugar level. After 15 minutes, the blood glucose should have returned to a normal level. If it is still under 70 mg/dl, repeat the steps.
Tips and Warnings
- If the initial blood glucose level was lower than 55 mg/dl, 30 g of carbohydrate may be consumed.
Things You'll Need
- blood glucose monitor
