Hypoglycemia is when your blood glucose drops below 70mg/dL. Hypoglycemia is caused by certain diabetes medications, eating too little, skipping or delaying meals, drinking too much alcohol, and/or being more active than usual. Hypoglycemia can occur suddenly, causing you to become confused and/or pass out.
Translates to
Hypo = Below
Gly (or Glyco) = Relating to or producing sugar
Emia = A substance in the blood
Stages of Hypoglycemia
| Mild: Physical symptoms | 50 - 70 mg/dL |
| Moderate: Cognitive symptoms | 30 - 50 mg/dL |
| Severe: Unconscious | Under 50 mg/dL |
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia
Treatment for Hypoglycemia
- Check blood sugar (if possible)
- Treat if less than 70 mg/dL
- Use a quick-acting carbohydrate (see list below for suggestions)
- Use the proper amount of food
- Wait 15–20 minutes and check blood sugar again
- Re-treat if BG has not risen
How Many Carbs Do I Need?
Based on your body weight, 1 gram of carb will increase blood glucose by the following:
| 60 lbs or less | 6 -10 mg/dL |
| 60lbs - 100lbs | 5 mg/dL |
| 100lbs - 160lbs | 4 mg/dL |
| 160lbs - 220 lbs | 3 mg/dL |
| More than 220 lbs | 2 mg/dL |
*Take insulin for any excess carbs eaten, after blood glucose has returned to normal*
Quick-Acting Carbs to Treat Low Blood Sugars
Each of the following servings has 15g of carbohydrate
- 3–4 glucose tabs
- 12 gummy bears
- 15 Skittles
- 4 Starburst
- 1 tablespoon honey, jam, or jelly
- 1/2 cup juice
- 1/2 cup regular soda (not diet)
- 1 cup nonfat milk
- 2 tablespoons of raisins
Glucagon
It is recommended that anyone who uses insulin should have a prescription for emergency glucagon.
Reference