Hypoglycemia is a medical condition that describes when the blood sugar level drops too low. A normal blood sugar falls between 70 and 110 milligrams per deciliter, or mg/dL, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. The condition occurs most often for individuals with diabetes, but may occur in other individuals. Low blood sugar levels may cause symptoms such as drowsiness, hunger, confusion, sweating, increased heart rate and irritability. Severe hypoglycemia may cause a person to experience seizures or go into a coma. Preventing hypoglycemia is important to avoid possible complications.
Step 1
Eat small meals spread out throughout the day, avoiding long periods without eating. Avoid skipping meals and include snacks between meals to equal about six small meals. Eating this way may help prevent a large decrease in blood sugar levels, according to the Mayo Clinic website.
Step 2
Take diabetic medication as prescribed by your physician. Do not skip medications or change the frequency or dosage without speaking with a physician. If you skip a meal, consult your doctor before taking a scheduled dose of insulin for that meal.
Step 3
Monitor blood sugar levels several times a day, such as before meals. Keeping excellent records of your blood sugar levels will help your physician determine the best medication to control blood sugar levels and help prevent possible drops in the levels.
Step 4
Avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach. Drinking alcohol without food may cause hypoglycemia to occur in people with diabetes and may also occur for people without the disease.
Step 5
Eat a well-balanced diet including high fiber foods, vegetables, fruits and lean sources of protein. Limit foods with sugars, especially when eaten alone.
Step 6
Avoid strenuous exercise, as increased amounts of exercise may cause a decrease in blood sugar levels due to the energy expenditure. Eat snacks during extended periods of physical activity to help prevent hypoglycemia, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse.
Step 7
Test blood sugar levels if you begin to feel any symptoms associated with hypoglycemia. Treat blood sugar levels less than 90 mg/dL if you are also experiencing hypoglycemia symptoms, according to the Joslin Diabetes Center. Follow directions from your physician on how best to treat hypoglycemia. Most often, simple carbohydrates such as juice or hard candy will help raise blood sugar levels quickly, according to the American Diabetes Association.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Diabetic Hypoglycemia
- Mayo Clinic: Reactive Hypoglycemia: What Can I Do?
- X-Plain: Hypoglycemia
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Hypoglycemia
- Joslin Diabetes Center: What Can I Do To Prevent Serious Hypoglycemic Episodes When I Am Hypoglycemic Unaware?
- American Diabetes Association: Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Glucose)
