Ask Nurse Lorna
1st Edition-August 2005
What is Hypoglycemia ?
Hypoglycemia or Low Blood Glucose, occurs when the level of
Glucose (Sugar) in the blood drops below a certain level (about 3 mmols/70
mg/dl) people can differ slightly at the exact levels of glucose at which they
experience an episode.
Insulin is normally produced in the Pancreas and helps the cells In the body
absorb glucose from the blood. Normally the glucose levels rise after a meal.
Too much Insulin in the blood and certain other diseases can cause
Hypoglycemic episodes or “Hypo’s”.
Paleness
Shaking/Trembling
Perspiration
A feeling of weakness
Rapid heartbeat
Hunger
Agitation
Difficulty in concentrating
Irritability
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Temporary loss of consciousness
Confusion
Convulsions
Coma
Most people do get some warning that a hypo is happening. For some,
individuals, hypoglycemia may cause few or none of the milder symptoms,
before the sudden onset of unconsciousness or convulsions. This can occur
in long standing diabetics.
Mild hypoglycemia is treated by drinking or eating 10-20 grams of sugar in
the form of sweetened juice, milk or glucose tablets.
In the case of more serious Hypo’s, medical help should be obtained, as this
will require intravenous glucose to be administered as soon as possible.
Monitor blood sugars regularly
Be familiar in the signs/symptoms if in doubt “Test”
Always carry sugar in a rapidly absorbing form
Follow dietitians advice and maintain regular eating habits
Take care when exercising, this lowers levels, eat before exercising
or decrease dose of Insulin prior.
Carry an identity card to inform people of your condition
For many diabetics, a low blood sugar at night is a problem as they can sleep
through it
If you wake up with headache and feel unusually irritable “Test”
Test blood sugar at around 10-11pm, if below (8mmols/140 mg/dl)
eat a snack
Avoid alcoholic binges as this behaves like Insulin
After drinking a lot of alcohol or dancing at night, eat a snack
Normally, hypoglycemia is easily treatable. A few mild cases in a week are
not harmful. It starts to become dangerous only when the glucose level keeps
dropping below acceptable limits the brain’s only source of energy is glucose.
Glucose (Sugar) in the blood drops below a certain level (about 3 mmols/70
mg/dl) people can differ slightly at the exact levels of glucose at which they
experience an episode.
Insulin is normally produced in the Pancreas and helps the cells In the body
absorb glucose from the blood. Normally the glucose levels rise after a meal.
Too much Insulin in the blood and certain other diseases can cause
Hypoglycemic episodes or “Hypo’s”.
Paleness
Shaking/Trembling
Perspiration
A feeling of weakness
Rapid heartbeat
Hunger
Agitation
Difficulty in concentrating
Irritability
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Temporary loss of consciousness
Confusion
Convulsions
Coma
Most people do get some warning that a hypo is happening. For some,
individuals, hypoglycemia may cause few or none of the milder symptoms,
before the sudden onset of unconsciousness or convulsions. This can occur
in long standing diabetics.
Mild hypoglycemia is treated by drinking or eating 10-20 grams of sugar in
the form of sweetened juice, milk or glucose tablets.
In the case of more serious Hypo’s, medical help should be obtained, as this
will require intravenous glucose to be administered as soon as possible.
Monitor blood sugars regularly
Be familiar in the signs/symptoms if in doubt “Test”
Always carry sugar in a rapidly absorbing form
Follow dietitians advice and maintain regular eating habits
Take care when exercising, this lowers levels, eat before exercising
or decrease dose of Insulin prior.
Carry an identity card to inform people of your condition
For many diabetics, a low blood sugar at night is a problem as they can sleep
through it
If you wake up with headache and feel unusually irritable “Test”
Test blood sugar at around 10-11pm, if below (8mmols/140 mg/dl)
eat a snack
Avoid alcoholic binges as this behaves like Insulin
After drinking a lot of alcohol or dancing at night, eat a snack
Normally, hypoglycemia is easily treatable. A few mild cases in a week are
not harmful. It starts to become dangerous only when the glucose level keeps
dropping below acceptable limits the brain’s only source of energy is glucose.
What causes Hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia can cause any or all of the following:
How is Hypoglycemia treated?
How to avoid hypoglycemia
