Diabetes Tips: Preventing Hypoglycemia

Good news! Treating and preventing low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is easier than you think!

When the level of glucose in your bloodstream drops below a certain threshold, you may experience symptoms such as: dizziness, weak limbs, confusion, and/or blurred vision. If these symptoms arise, ask yourself three important questions:

1. Have I not eaten or skipped an entire meal recently?
2. Did I recently take extra insulin or other diabetes medication?
3. Have I just finished exercising?

If you have answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may be feeling symptoms of hypoglycemia.

In this scenario, you should eat or drink a fast-acting carbohydrate, such as glucose tablets or a fruit juice, to suppress symptoms and stop a potential fainting spell from occurring. If symptoms persist, don’t hesitate and call your doctor.

Other important precautionary measures include:

• Checking your glucose regularly, especially before driving or exercise.
• Carry fast-acting glucose tablets or other forms of carbohydrate, always.
• Wear a medical ID and let friends and family know symptoms of hypoglycemia so they know what to look for and how to help, in case of an emergency.