HomeLiving with DiabetesDiabetes ManagementHypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)


Signs of low blood sugar levels include:

  • Sweating
  • Shaking
  • Headache
  • Tired
  • Pale skin
  • Hungry
  • Mood changes, including sadness

Very low blood sugar can keep your brain from working well. It can even cause you to feel:
  • Confused
  • Have seizures
  • Lose consciousness (can’t wake up)



Causes of low blood sugar

One of the best ways for you to control your sugar levels is to know what causes them to go up. By knowing the causes, you can take steps to stay away from or lessen the causes.

Treatment


Treatment of low blood sugar levels should follow the Rule of 15.
  • Eat 15 grams of fast-acting sugar (½ cup juice, ½ can soft drink, 3 or 4 pieces of hard candy or 4 glucose tablets)
  • Re-check your blood sugar in 15 minutes
  • Treat it again with 15 grams of fast-acting sugar if your blood sugar is still less than 70 mg/dl