It is essential to health that you keep your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible with the use of diet and medication. Allowing your blood sugar to rise too high or drop too low can be life threatening and cause long-term complications. Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is a blood glucose level of less than 70 mg/dL. Hypoglycemic episodes in diabetics typically occur in response to eating too little, exercising too much or taking too much insulin. Without treatment, hypoglycemia can be fatal.
Step 1
Learn the symptoms of low blood sugar levels so that you can act rapidly in the event your blood sugar drops. Low blood glucose can cause shakiness, weakness, rapid heart rate, lightheadedness, anxiousness, tiredness, hunger, sweating, confusion and irritability.
Step 2
Eat smaller meals more frequently to maintain consistent blood sugar levels. Your blood sugar begins to fall about two hours after you eat a meal. By eating more often, you minimize this drop.
Step 3
Limit your portion sizes to keep your blood sugar from spiking and then crashing. Portion control also helps prevent excessive weight gain that can worsen your diabetes.
Step 4
Coordinate meal times with insulin doses. Eating less than expected can result in high insulin levels and hypoglycemia. Your doctor can help you work out a schedule for your meals and medication.
Step 5
Check your blood sugar levels before, during and after engaging in activity or exercise. Exercise can lower blood sugar levels, and exercising soon after taking insulin can cause dangerous blood sugar drops.
Step 6
Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you are ill, are spending time in hot weather or will be sweating excessively. Dehydration can disrupt blood glucose levels.
Step 7
Carry a glucose pill or snack with you when you leave home so that you can raise your blood sugar at the first sign it is dropping to a dangerous level.
Step 8
Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can interfere with your liver's ability to release sugar to counteract dropping blood sugar levels. This effect may continue for up to 12 hours after consuming alcohol.
Step 9
Act immediately to bring your blood sugar up if it begins dropping. Take glucose tablets per your doctor's instructions, drink a full cup of milk or a half cup of regular soda or fruit juice, have a tablespoon of honey or sugar, chew several pieces of hard candy, or consume a serving of glucose gel.
Tips and Warnings
- Healthy blood sugar levels in diabetics should remain between 90 and 130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL about 1 to 2 hours after eating.
- Hypoglycemia can be life threatening and requires medical attention.
Things You'll Need
- Glucose meter
- Glucose tablets
