Compass Fitness.com All About Hypoglycemia: Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
Hypoglycemia is a condition in which a person has an abnormally low blood glucose. Hypoglycemia is a blood glucose amount under 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). The condition of hypoglycemia is especially prevalent in diabetics.
The causes of hypoglycemia specific to diabetics relates in part to diabetes treatments-oral medications and injected insulin which help the body better utilize the blood sugar and reduce blood sugar levels. It may be that relative to diet, a diabetic has taken too high a dose of insulin or other diabetes medication. Hypoglycemia in diabetics may also be caused by increased glucose utilization resulting from doing more exercise than usual without consuming a glucose snack. Glucose levels should be carefully monitored pre and post exercise. If your pre-exercise blood glucose level is under 100mg/dL then be sure to consume 20-30 grams of carbohydrate prior to initiating exercise. Hypoglycemia can also result from skipping meals or consumption of alcohol.
The symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
-Confusion
-Visual disturbances
-Seizures
-Loss of consciousness
-Heart Palpitations
-Shakiness
-Sweating
-Hunger
-Anxiety
-Weakness
-Trouble sleeping
Since these symptoms are not caused by hypoglycemia alone, an IV blood glucose test should be taken during the time frame of the symptoms to make an accurate diagnosis of hypoglycemia.
The treatment for hypoglycemia- a blood glucose level below 70 mg/dL –is an immediate snack of approximately 15 grams of carbohydrate. Examples of carbohydrate snacks which can be consumed to treat hypoglycemia include:
– 3 glucose tablets
– ½ cup or 4 ounces of fruit juice or non-diet soda
– 5 or 6 hard candies
– 1 tablespoon of honey, syrup or sugar
After consuming approximately 15 grams of carbohydrate, check your blood glucose level. If you do not feel better or your blood glucose is still below 70 mg/dL then consume another 15 grams of carbohydrate. If you still do not feel better or your blood glucose remains below 70 mg/dL then call you doctor immediately.
Diabetics and their loved ones need to be aware of hypoglycemia causes, symptoms and treatments. It is very important to treat hypoglycemia as soon as possible . Severe cases of prolonged hypoglycemia can result in coma and even permanent brain injury. Hypoglycemia is a condition which must be taken seriously and treated in order to avoid the potential injury which can result from hypoglycemia.
