How to Identify Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)¹

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is a condition that usually occurs when your blood sugar (glucose) level drops below 70 mg/dL

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) Symptoms You Should Look Out For

Everyone reacts differently to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), so it’s important to understand and recognize your own low blood sugar (glucose) symptoms. Here are some of the visible signs and feelings of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)²:

Anxiety

Irritability

Dizziness

Headache

Sweating

Hunger

Shakiness

Fatigue or Weakness

Rapid Pulse

Blurred Vision

Tingling in Fingers or Lips

Important: Always discuss low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) events and treatment actions with your doctor.

Watch 'Going Low' to Learn How to Identify the Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)²

How to Treat Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) with The Rule of 15³

The only way to know if you are experiencing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is to check your blood sugar (glucose), if possible. If you are unable to check your blood sugar, treat for low blood sugar by following the Rule of 15.

How You Can Treat Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) with The Rule of 15

Here are 5 important steps you should take to treat low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) with the Rule of 15³:

Step 1

If your blood sugar (glucose) is less than 3.9mmol/L take 15 grams of glucose or simple carbs.³

Step 2

Recheck your blood sugar (glucose) after 15 minutes, if possible.³

Step 3

If you still feel the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), repeat Step 1.³

Step 4

Once your blood sugar (glucose) returns to normal, eat a small snack if your next planned meal or snack is more than an hour away.³

Step 5

If you continue to experience signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) — contact your doctor OR emergency health services immediately.³

If you experience low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), take 15 grams of glucose or simple carbs such as⁴:

4 Glucose tablets (follow package instructions)

Gel tube (follow package instructions)

2 tablespoons of raisins

1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or corn syrup

1/2 cup of juice

1/2 cup of non-diet soda

1 cup of nonfat 1% milk

3-5 hard candies, jellybeans, or gumdrops

Watch 'The Rule of 15' to Learn How to Treat Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)³

You've Just Completed the Low Blood Sugar Section

Congratulations! You should now have a better understanding of how to identify and manage the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Don't forget to check out the Starting Insulin, Why Insulin? and Living With Diabetes sections to get the basic knowledge you need for a successful insulin treatment journey.

References

How to Identify Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)1

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is a condition that usually occurs when your blood sugar (glucose) level drops below 70 mg/dL

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) Symptoms You Should Look Out For

Everyone reacts differently to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), so it’s important to understand and recognize your own low blood sugar (glucose) symptoms. Here are some of the visible signs and feelings of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)2:

Warning outlined triangle Important: Always discuss low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) events and treatment actions with your doctor.

Watch 'Going Low' to Learn How to Identify the Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)2

How to Treat Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) with The Rule of 153