In a previous post, we discussed the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Here are some great tips for preventing and treating hypoglycemia.

 

  • Keep a balance – Try to stay close to your usual schedule of eating, activity, and medicine. If you’re late getting a meal or if you’re more active than usual, you may need an extra snack.
  • Check your blood glucose – Keeping track of your blood glucose is a good way to know when it tends to run low. Show your logbook or record sheet to your health care providers. Be sure to let them know if you’re having a number of low glucose readings a week.
  • Be prepared – Always carry some type of carbohydrate sugar food or drink with you so you’ll be ready at any time to treat a low glucose level.
  • Communication is key – Always wear something (like an identification bracelet) that says you have diabetes. Carry a card in your wallet that says you have diabetes and tells if you use medicine to treat it. Tell family members, close friends, co-workers, etc that you have diabetes. Tell them how to know when your blood glucose is low. Show them what to do if you can’t treat yourself.

 

 

If you have any signs that your glucose may be low, test it right away. If it’s less than 60 to 70 mg/dL, you need to treat it immediately by eating or drinking a small amount of glucose-rich food. Examples include ½ cup of fruit juice or soda, a couple teaspoons of honey, a few pieces of hard candy or glucose tablets. If you feel like your blood glucose is getting too low but you can’t test it right then, play it safe—go ahead and treat it. If your symptoms do not improve, seek medical attention.