Anxiety
Irritability
Dizziness
Headache
Sweating
Hunger
Shakiness
Fatigue or Weakness
Rapid Pulse
Blurred Vision
Tingling in Fingers or Lips
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.
If your blood sugar (glucose) is less than 70 mg/dLtake 15 grams of carbohydrate.2
Recheck your blood sugar (glucose) after 15 minutes of eating 15 grams of carbohydrate, if possible.2
If you still feel the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), repeat Step 1.2
Once your blood glucose is back to normal, eat a meal or snack to make sure it doesn’t lower again.2
If you continue to experience signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) — contact your doctor OR emergency health services immediately.2
4 Glucose tablets (follow package instructions)
Gel tube (follow package instructions)
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 (see food label for how many to consume)
*Please check the label to find out how many candies you should eat and follow the instructions on glucose tablets.
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.