Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) Symptoms & Diabetes

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) Symptoms & Diabetes

Signs of Low Blood Sugar

Most patients recognize the early warning signs of low blood sugar and counteract them by eating. Ideally, a simple sugar that is easily absorbed (such as a pack of table sugar, glucose tablets, lifesavers, juice, or regular soda) should be eaten. While chocolate seems an appealing choice, as perhaps does cake and other sweets, these take far too long to be absorbed and are thus not ideal choices. Half a glass of juice or soda should work adequately and care should be taken not to over treat so that blood sugars do not rise excessively. If possible, the blood sugar level should be checked before and then again at about 20 minutes after treating. If a reading in the 70's or less is obtained, treatment by eating or drinking a simple sugar is appropriate. It is also important to remember that once the blood sugar reaches a safe level, it needs to stay there. At this point it is recommended to take a longer acting carbohydrate (a slice of bread, for example) to sustain the blood sugar level.
Signs of Low Blood Sugar