Abstract
Hypoglycemia or low sugar is common in diabetic patients. It is very important for us to know how to encounter it when it happens. What is needed to be done in case of emergency is discussed in this article.
Published on May 01, 2014 and last reviewed on Dec 17, 2021 - 1 min read
Abstract
Hypoglycemia or low sugar is common in diabetic patients. It is very important for us to know how to encounter it when it happens. What is needed to be done in case of emergency is discussed in this article.
Hypoglycemia occurs when plasma glucose is lower than 70 mg/dl. There are three stages of hypoglycemia:
Causes for Hypoglycemia:
Hypoglycemia is common in patients who are taking insulins, oral hypoglycemic drugs like sulfonylureas, meglitinides, erratic dietary habits which considerable mismatch between food intake and drug intake, fasting state.
How to Combat Hypoglycemia?
CAUTION - If patient is taking any alpha-glucosidase inhibitor like acarbose or voglibose then taking complex carbohydrates to get relieved from hypoglycemia might not work.
Hypoglycemia is a condition where blood sugar levels are low. In some cases, hypoglycemia can occur without diabetes. A relative state of hypoglycemia can occur where the sugar level falls suddenly.
The average sugar level is estimated to be around 70-110mg/dl. Hypoglycemia attack is a state where the blood sugar levels fall than normal. A hypoglycemic episode can result in symptoms like clumsiness, hunger, confusion, sweating, seizures, and death in complicated cases.
The classic signs of hyperglycemia are:
- Frequent urination.
- Increased thirst.
- Fatigue.
The following signs and symptoms can identify hypoglycemia.
- Weakness.
- Abdominal pain.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Fruity-smelling breath.
- Coma.
- Shortness of breath.
- Dry mouth.
- Confusion.
In order to get rid of the symptoms of hypoglycemia, the person is asked to drink water or fruit juice. The water is added with glucose or 15-20 grams of carbohydrate content. The fruit juices can be easily converted into the sugar necessary for the body. In the hospital set up, the patient will be given glucagon injection immediately.
Hyperglycemia occurs where the sugar levels rise up due to the poor control of diabetes. This hyperglycemic condition can be seen only in untreated cases of diabetes. Hypoglycemia can occur as a side effect of medications that are consumed to reduce the level of sugar.
The signs of hyperglycemia are:
- Headache.
- High blood sugar.
- Frequent thirst.
- Increased tendency to urinate.
- Blurred vision.
If the child suffers from a low blood sugar level, then the child starts experiencing a higher level of hunger. They might seem to be drowsy, and a change in the skin color will be noticed. If you notice that the child has an increased heart rate, then it is necessary to take your child to the hospital as soon as possible.
When the child is hypoglycemia, you should give the child candies or chocolates instantly. You can also provide milk and fruit juice. It is necessary to provide them with a diet that is rich in carbohydrates, protein, fat, and whole grains.
Bananas are very good for hypoglycemia. This can increase the level of sugar in hypoglycemic patients. In addition to bananas, you can also go for other fruits like apples and orange. Any diet that is rich in carbohydrates can be used to increase sugar levels.
The recommended foods for hypoglycemia are:
- Yogurt.
- Fruit like berries, bananas, and apples.
- Dried nuts and fruits.
- Whole grain bread.
The following foods should be avoided for hypoglycemia:
- Processed foods
- Artificial sweeteners.
- Fried foods.
- Hot dogs, meat, and sausages.
- MSG (monosodium glutamate).
- All soft drinks.
Yes, coffee has a positive effect on hypoglycemia. Patients who are having hypoglycemia can drink coffee three times a day. This will help them keep their sugar levels normal. They can also choose to have frequent small meals rather than heavy meals.
The brain is the organ that is greatly affected by hypoglycemia. It will result in the loss of consciousness and blurred vision. In complicated conditions, seizures can also occur.
The patient who is having hypoglycemia and is still in a conscious state can be easily brought back to the normal state after consuming sugars in the liquid form or any juices. A person who has lost consciousness due to hypoglycemia has to be admitted to the hospital. Intravenous infusions with glucose can be given to the hospital.
The medications that are recommended for hypoglycemia:
- Glucose supplements like dextrose.
- Inhibitors of insulin secretion like Diazoxide and Octreotide.
- Glucose-elevating agents like glucagon.
- Antineoplastic agents like Streptozocin.
Last reviewed at:
17 Dec 2021 - 1 min read
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