Low Blood Sugar - How to Recognize it and Manage it
Recognizing the signs is crucial as they can come on quickly and vary by person, sometimes even being absent.
Mild hypoglycemia symptoms are like a "fight or flight" response, including trembling, sweating, and anxiety.
Moderate hypoglycemia affects the brain, causing confusion, weakness, and dizziness.
Severe hypoglycemia is a medical emergency (blood sugar typically below 2.8 mmol/L) requiring assistance from another person to administer glucagon; call an emergency immediately.
If you suspect a low, confirm with your glucometer. If it's below 4.0 mmol/L, treat with 15 grams of fast-acting sugar (e.g., glucose tablets, regular juice, honey). Wait 15 minutes, recheck, and if still low, repeat the treatment. Once your blood sugar is above 4.0 mmol/L, eat a snack or meal within an hour to prevent another drop.
Low blood sugar is often caused by a mismatch between medication/insulin and carbohydrate intake, or by increased physical activity or alcohol. If you experience frequent lows, it's vital to inform your healthcare team so they can help adjust your plan and reduce their occurrence.
