Diabetes And Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia results when there is too little sugar in the blood. Characteristically, diabetes is the result of too much sugar (hyperglycemia) in the blood, but in cases where gaining control of glucose (sugar) levels in the blood, hypoglycemia can result.

In Type 1 diabetes, low blood sugar is as much of a concern as high blood sugar. So, how can someone with diabetes end up with low blood sugar? This can easily happen when there is too much insulin in the body which leads to low amounts of blood glucose. This is caused when too much insulin is taken in attempts to control high glucose levels. the problem does not occur in people who control their diabetes symptoms through diet and lifestyle changes.

Hypoglycemia is marked by blood glucose levels below 70 mg/dl. Normal levels are 70 mg/dl - 125 mg/dl. A person suffering from low blood sugar may exhibit signs and symptoms of confusion, dizziness, increased hunger, and headache. They may also experience bad dreams and nightmares. If these symptoms go untreated the person could lapse into a diabetic coma.

Hypoglycemia can also be caused by:

• Skipping meals


• Injecting too much insulin


• Oral diabetic medications


• Some blood thinners


• Drinking alcohol without eating food

Treatment for Hypoglycemia:

If the person having these symptom is conscious, giving them something to eat or drink such as candy, milk, or orange juice will bring their glucose levels up and drive their insulin levels down. After an episode such as this a call to the physician for further instructions should be made as soon as possible. The person may require emergency care. Repeated instances of severe low blood sugar levels can result in damage to the brain.

How To Prevent Hypoglycemic Episodes:

It is important to monitor blood glucose levels with daily testing before meals and at bedtime. Eating a snack before bedtime can prevent blood sugars from dipping too low during sleep.

Coordinate your eating times and physical activity with taking your insulin. Be sure to cover yourself adequately when involved in any prolonged physical exertion. When taking long trips or traveling, make sure you have enough insulin supplies with you to keep check on glucose levels and to give yourself the needed insulin to keep sugar levels in normal limits.

Never skip meals. Eat at the same times each day and check glucose levels before each meal. Your insulin intake correlates with the amounts of carbohydrates you eat. Carbohydrates, found in most all foods, raise glucose levels. When counting carbohydrates, you will know just how much insulin is needed to keep glucose values steady.

Some oral diabetic medications when given with other meds can cause blood sugars to fall. Be sure that your doctor knows all the medications you are taking, including over the counter meds. Also be cautious when mixing natural herbs with your medications. Some natural herbs may interact with your diabetes medication and cause severe problems.

The important thing in managing your diabetes is eating right, getting regular physical activity, and taking your medications as directed to avoid hypoglycemia.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT