What
Causes Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar).
Hypoglycemia can be caused by missing a meal, not eating
enough, or eating later than usual. It can also be caused
by strenuous work or exercise. For individuals with diabetes,
it is a common side effect of insulin therapy, and can
be caused by too much insulin.
Hypoglycemia Can
Be Dangerous.
Hypoglycemia can come on unexpectedly, when you are far
from friends and family, or where no one can help you
such as driving a car alone. The symptoms of hypoglycemia
depends on how low the blood sugar is, how fast it drops.
In severe hypoglycemia, you can lose consciousness and
have convulsions, or on rare occasions, go into a coma.
Carry a Portable
Carbohydrate.
If
you are prone to low blood sugar, and especially if
you use insulin, you should always carry a portable,
pre-measured dose of pure glucose, such as Insta-Glucose.
It is easy to use, works quickly, and can head off potentially
serious reactions.
Instructions to the
Helper.
To Help a person with hypoglycemia: You should learn
to recognize the characteristic signs of hypoglycemia.
Once it comes on, it does not go away by itself, so
treatment must be correct and prompt. If the patient
is confused, incoherent, uncooperative or even belligerent,
she or he will need assistance. If the patient can swallow,
help her or him take a pure glucose such as Insta-Glucose.
If it is not available, use sugar, candy or soda pop
(not diet soda - it contains no sugar). If the patient
cannot swallow, use glucagon, an injectable prescription
hormone for diabetics. If you or someone present knows
how to administer glucagon, do so. If these options
are not available, call 911 and request immediate treatment
for severe hypoglycemia or insulin shock.
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The
Three Stages of Hypoglycemia
Mild Hypoglycemia
Shaking -
Sweating - Hunger - Weakness - Anxiousness
TREATMENT:
Self-treatment of 10 to 15 grams of pure glucose, wait
10 minutes and follow with a protein such as 8 oz. milk
or cheese, and crackers or bread. If untreated, it progresses
to moderate hypoglycemia.
Moderate Hypoglycemia
Confusion
- Slurred Speech - Glassy Eyes - Poor Coordination -
Lack of Coordination
TREATMENT:
Assistance may be required. Take a 20 to 30 gram dose
of pure glucose, wait 10 minutes then follow with a
protein such as 8 oz. milk or cheese, and crackers or
bread. If untreated, it progresses to severe hypoglycemia.
Severe Hypoglycemia
Unresponsive
- Combative - Agitated - Convulsions - Unconsciousness
TREATMENT:
Call for medical assistance. Severe hypoglycemia can
be life threatening if not treated property. Emergency
measures are usually required, including injection of
glucagon or dextrose. Administer pure glucose after
glucagon.
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