How can a Diabetic cope up with hypoglycemia ?

Posted on January 3, 2008 in Diabetes FAQ

Diabetics also suffer from hypoglycaemia (Low blood sugar) apart from hyperglycaemia (High blood sugar). They need to regulate their insulin, blood sugar levels during a - hypo’, as it could cause dizziness, agitation and convulsions apart from other symptoms. Even while exercising, they need to make sure that their sugar levels do not fall below prescribed limits. Keeping snacks handy does help to cope up with this problem. Being open about one’s condition also helps.

Soon after a meal, the glucose level goes up and in due course it comes down to normal levels. Insulin helps in absorption of glucose. A diabetic is faced with both problems - high blood sugar levels as well as low blood sugar levels. When his or her sugar levels come down, then a lot of discomfort is experienced. One feels shaky, dizzy, feels hungry, moods fluctuate, finds it difficult to pay attention and experiences convulsions. Overall health gets affected. This happens due to insulin not balancing with activity or food.

A diabetic has to learn to cope up with hypoglycemia. Research studies have shown that there are certain types of insulin, which trigger off low blood glucose more often. Diabetes Care, a magazine specializing in diabetes mentions that those patients who took insulin glargine experienced a considerable low levels of blood glucose as compared to NPH insulin in the case of Diabetes Type 2. Whatever said done, hypoglycemia is also a problem that a diabetic has to be fully aware.

What Causes Hypoglycemia in a Diabetic?

• Excessive insulin in a diabetic causes hypoglycemia
• Over medication leads to increased insulin which in turn causes a -hypo’
• At times digesting some foods may be a problem which can affect the blood sugar levels
• Exercise also causes a fall in blood sugar levels. Too much of exercise is not advisable
• Medication can also at times cause hypoglycemia
• Missing meals is also not good. This can cause a -hypo’
• If the food intake is less than the intake of insulin that one can experience low sugar levels
• Prolonged fasting can also cause it
• Excessive alcohol is not good

How to cope up with a - hypoglycaemia?

• One must eat or drink something that contains sugar immediately
• Keep snacks on hand while exercising. This way one can regulate the blood sugar levels. Of course one must consult the physician
• Wear a medical bracelet to indicate you are a diabetic. Help can be sought
• One must be open about one’s problem, not hesitate to mention that one is diabetic. This way others can extend help when one is experiencing a -hypo’
• One should be regular about one’s insulin intake. Take the injections on time
• One should regularly get one’s blood sugar levels checked. Even during exercises, one should keep a tab on the sugar levels. If it falls, then remedial measures should be taken
• When the blood sugar level is low, then one should take a longer acting carbohydrate
• One should consult the physician about what one should take during a hypoglycemia. Following one’s own intuition is not good.

A Diabetic should monitor his or her blood glucose levels regularly in order to cope up with hypoglycemia. When experiencing a -hypo’ he or she needs to take in foods, which the physician has recommended in order to maintain balance in the glucose levels. The intake of insulin should be monitored carefully in order to avoid lowering of blood sugar levels.

» Filed Under Diabetes FAQ

Comments

One Response to “How can a Diabetic cope up with hypoglycemia ?”

1. Cathy Says:
   February 1st, 2008 at 2:01 pm

   I’m not diabetic, but I am hypoglycemic. I’m still confused about what to eat. Someone told me to just eat what a diaebetic does, but they seem to tolerate sugar better than I can. I’m lactose intolerant and the lactaid pills or drops don’t help. I’ve tried every diet out there and nothing seems to help my condition. Can someone just tell me what a hypoglycemic can eat including snacks. Thank you

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