Diabetes Basics
Know Your Diabetes
A low blood sugar level means that the amount of
glucose in the blood has dropped below what the body needs to function
efficiently. Normally blood sugar levels fluctuate throughout the day,
between meals, after meals, and during physical activity. For
individuals who have diabetes, a low blood sugar level can be very
serious. A low blood sugar level occurs when the glucose drops below 65
mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter). Symptoms can come on rather quickly,
within ten to fifteen minutes, and be due to a number of factors, such
as the start of the menstrual cycle, too much insulin, skipping a meal
or snack, exercising without eating, or by drinking too much alcohol.
Certain over-the-counter and prescription medications can also cause a
fluctuation in glucose leading to a low blood sugar level. A health care
professional should always be consulted before taking a new medication
about the possibility of it causing a reaction.
Symptoms of a mild low blood sugar level may not always be apparent
until it begins to drop further. The diabetic may begin to experience
fatigue, dizziness, sweating, rapid heart rate, difficulty
concentrating, shakiness, weakness, irritability, blurred vision, or
confusion, and if some type of sugar is not eaten immediately, symptoms
of a low blood sugar level can progress to loss of consciousness,
seizures, and coma. Most diabetics are aware of even the slightest onset
of symptoms, especially if they have had the disease for a while.
Diabetics are encouraged to check their blood sugar levels frequently
throughout the day, usually before breakfast, lunch, dinner, and
bedtime, or at any other time that there is a question whether a low
blood sugar level is suspected.
Treatment for a mild low blood
sugar level reading of 65 mg/dL, would be to drink sweetened juice,
milk, or glucose tablets. As the glucose level drops further, symptoms
become more severe and a glucagon injection may be needed to bring the
level up quickly. If a low blood sugar level is around 40 mg/dL or less
glucagon should still be given, but at this time unconsciousness has
probably occurred and paramedics should be called immediately. Diabetics
should always carry some form of sugar with them at all times, and they
need to check their glucose level often, and keep their diet within the
proper limits to keep their diabetes controlled. As with any serious
health condition, it is advised that diabetics also wear a medical alert
bracelet and keep identifying information with them at all times.