1. It Might Not Be Necessary for Treatment
Symptoms of hypoglycemia can be painful, but medication might not be the answer. A well-balanced diet of protein, whole grains can keep your blood sugar levels stable, diminishing need for medication. Talk to your doctor about how to monitor your illness and find your target blood glucose level. Following a well-balanced diet will not guarantee an end to hypoglycemia, but it will keep your hormones stabilized and reduce risk of an attack. Eliminate refined sugar, white flour, caffeine and alcohol.
2. Those Used as a Last Resort
In severe cases of hypoglycemia, in which the patient is unconscious or otherwise unable to raise blood sugar levels by eating food, medication may be administered intravenously, directly into the muscle, down the esophagus or into the bone marrow. Quick infusions of medication into the body will raise blood glucose levels rapidly. Dextrose, glucagon, diazoxide and octreotide are some of these last resort medications that must be administered by a trained professional. Wearing a diabetes bracelet can be lifesaving in the event a hypoglycemic attack leaves the patient unconscious and unable to give the medical history.
3. It Could Be the Cause
A major dip in blood sugar levels is usually the result of too much insulin administered to a diabetes patient. Insulin helps glucose in the blood enter cells where it is used as energy. An overproduction of insulin causes the remaining glucose in the blood to enter the cells. As blood glucose levels fall the patient experiences symptoms of hypoglycemia. Make sure diabetes medication is up to date and administered in the right dosage. Talk to your doctor if problems persist.
4. Two Drug Classes
Two classes of drugs that target hypoglycemia if diet and vitamins prove ineffective are inhibitors of insulin secretion and antineoplastic agents. The first includes the drugs diazoxide, glucagon and octreotide. They work by lowering the amount of insulin that is produced so more glucose stays in the blood. The second class of drugs includes streptozocin, which is toxic to the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. It is also used to treat pancreatic cancers.
5. Vitamins Work Too
Since blood glucose levels are easy to balance by adding or subtracting certain foods, it's no surprise that vitamins are a great way to keep hypoglycemia in control. Chromium and manganese are the vitamin of choice when it comes to keeping blood glucose in check. Both play a role in controlling insulin. Brewers yeast also contains the two vitamins, as well as a medley of amino-acids, minerals, good bacteria, and other vitamins. You shouldn't take it, however, if you have diminished immune function, intestinal disease, or are allergic to yeast.
