How to Fight Hypoglycemia?
Published on May 01, 2014 and last reviewed on Aug 08, 2023 - 1 min read
Abstract
Hypoglycemia or low sugar is common in diabetic patients. 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:
- Mild hypoglycemia - Symptoms like tingling sensation, dizziness, hunger, weakness, etc
- Severe hypoglycemia - Loss of consciousness
- Moderate hypoglycemia - Palpitation, tremors, confusion, disorientation etc
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?
- Hypoglycemia can be treated according to severity, mild hypoglycemias can be treated by oral ingestion of dextrose tablets which are available in strengths of 25 gms. Patients can be advised to take the tablets repeatedly till the symptoms subsides.
- Secondly if the hypoglycemia is severe, they can be injected with glucagon 1mg intramuscularly. Even then if he does not recover then immediate hospitalization might be needed along with intravenous dextrose injection 25%. Bed side glucose monitoring is a must to assess the condition and to decide the further course of treatment.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.
Is Hypoglycemia a Sign of Diabetes?
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.
2.
What Is a Hypoglycemic Attack?
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.
3.
What Are the Classic Signs of Hyperglycemia?
The classic signs of hyperglycemia are:
- Frequent urination.
- Increased thirst.
- Fatigue.
4.
How to Identify Hypoglycemia?
The following signs and symptoms can identify hypoglycemia.
- Weakness.
- Abdominal pain.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Fruity-smelling breath.
- Coma.
- Shortness of breath.
- Dry mouth.
- Confusion.
5.
How Do You Get Rid of Hypoglycemia?
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.
6.
What Is the Difference Between Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia?
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.
7.
What Are the Signs of Hyperglycemia?
The signs of hyperglycemia are:
- Headache.
- High blood sugar.
- Frequent thirst.
- Increased tendency to urinate.
- Blurred vision.
8.
How to Know Whether My Child Has Low Blood Sugar?
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.
9.
What Should Be Given to a Child With Hypoglycemia?
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.
10.
Are Bananas Good for Hypoglycemia?
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.
11.
What Are the Recommended Foods for Hypoglycemia?
The recommended foods for hypoglycemia are:
- Yogurt.
- Fruit like berries, bananas, and apples.
- Dried nuts and fruits.
- Whole grain bread.
12.
What Foods to Avoid if You Have Hypoglycemia?
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.
13.
Does Coffee Affect Hypoglycemia?
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.
14.
Which Organ Is Affected by Hypoglycemia?
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.
15.
Does Hypoglycemia Go Away on Its Own?
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.
16.
What Medications Help Hypoglycemia?
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.
- How To Treat Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/low-blood-sugar-treatment.html - Treating Low Blood Sugar
https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/treating-low-blood-sugar - Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Glucose)
https://diabetes.org/healthy-living/medication-treatments/blood-glucose-testing-and-control/hypoglycemia
Last reviewed at:
08 Aug 2023 - 1 min read
RATING
Diabetology
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