Recognizing and Treating Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar is usually a result of an insulin reaction experienced by diabetics but there may be other causes as well. Although the condition can have serious consequences, it is fortunately easy to detect and treat.

The symptoms of Hypoglycemia vary but you should suspect it if you, or someone you know, has diabetes and they are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• A Slurring of speech
• Persistent headache
• A tingling sensation in the lips
• Cool or cold sweats
• Rapid heartbeat
• A feeling of confusion or disorientation
• Sudden weakness
• Intense hunger
• Sudden nervousness
• Tremors

In the worst case, the person experiencing low blood sugar may end up in a coma.

Medical professionals say that any of the following treatments should be immediately instituted in you, or someone who you are with, shows signs of HY:

Take 3 glucose tablets or 1 tube of glucose gel; or drink 4 oz juice or non-diet cola; or take 1 Tbsp. of honey; or drink 8 oz of nonfat milk; or consume 6 hard candies that are not sugar- free.

The person suffering the effects of Hypoglycemia should test their blood glucose level again 10-15 minutes later. If the level has not improved, then repeat one of the steps above.

Once the blood glucose levels return to normal, the person suffering the Hypoglycemia episode should follow up with a meal that includes a non-fatty meat and some starch such as a potato.

Please note that your doctor may have some other preferred method for you to follow. The remedies in this article are for information purposes only. Always follow your doctor's exact instructions.

Many doctors believe that, left untreated, low blood sugar may lead to a host of related physical and mental disorders such as depression and chronic fatigue. Please, don't ignore the symptoms if you are experiencing them. See your doctor for advice and treatment.