Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, may be caused by skipping meals, not eating enough at meals, taking too much diabetes medication or exercising more than usual. MayoClinic.com explains that symptoms of low blood glucose levels include headaches, heart palpitations, chills, hunger,anxiety, irritability or confusion.
If your blood sugar level is below 70, you need to eat about 15 g of a simple carbohydrate to quickly raise your blood glucose level.
Step 1
Prevent hypoglycemia by eating regular meals and snacks, eating before exercise, having a bedtime snack, monitoring blood glucose levels, taking diabetes medication correctly and not drinking alcohol.
Step 2
Eat simple sugars or carbohydrates to raise your blood glucose levels quickly. The American Diabetes Association recommends 15 to 20 g of sugars without a lot of fat or fiber. Pure glucose tablets are available at any drugstore or try 4 oz. of juice or soda, 4 tsp of sugar, 1 tbsp of honey, 2 tbsp of raisins or 5 saltine crackers.
Step 3
Wait 15 minutes and check your glucose levels again. If they are still too low, eat another 15 g of simple carbohydrates. If your glucose level is normal, but your next meal is more than an hour away, eat a snack with protein and starch to keep your blood glucose level stable. Life Clinic.com suggests half a turkey sandwich, crackers with peanut butter or cheese or milk and cereal.
Step 4
Avoid eating more than 20 g of sugar at a time or you risk blood glucose levels becoming too high, warns the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. It takes 10 to 15 minutes for the sugar to raise blood glucose levels and symptoms to dissipate.
Tips and Warnings
- If you have often have low blood glucose levels keep "quick-fix" foods at work or in the car -- driving while hypoglycemic can be dangerous.
- Left untreated hypoglycemia may lead to serious side effects, including coma. Tell family, friends and co-workers how to recognize the symptoms of low blood sugar and how they can help if needed.
Things You'll Need
- 4 oz. orange juice
- Glucose tablets
- Hard candy
