Frequently Asked Questions: Hypoglycemia
What is hypoglycemia, anyway?
Hypoglycemia is a fancy term for low blood sugar. It's your body's way of saying, "Hey, I need more fuel...NOW!" When your blood sugar level drops below normal, typically under 70 mg/dL, you might start to feel shaky, sweaty, confused or even hangry (that's hungry plus angry, just in case you were wondering).
Why does hypoglycemia happen?
Hypoglycemia can crash your party for several reasons. Here's a rundown of the usual suspects:
Too much insulin
Insulin is great for managing blood sugar levels, but too much if it- whether by accident or due to a miscalculation- it can drop your blood sugar too low.
Skipping or delayed meals
We all know life can be unpredictable. Skipping meals or eating late can send your blood sugar on a downward spiral.
Extra exercise
Working out more than usual? Physical activity can burn through glucose like there's no tomorrow. Without adjusting your insulin or eating enough carbs, you might find yourself in low blood sugar territory.
How do I know if I am experiencing hypoglycemia?
Your body has a way of sending you not-so-subtle hints when your blood sugar is low. Keep an eye out for these common symptoms:
- Shakiness: Imagine trying to hold a cup of coffee after ten espressos.
- Sweating: Feels like you just ran a marathon…in a sauna.
- Confusion: The kind where you're not even sure if you remember your own name.
- Irritability: Watch out, world!
- Blurred vision: Is that a unicorn or your boss?
- Rapid heartbeat: No, it's not because you saw your crush.
What can I do if I have low blood sugar?
If you are having a low blood sugar, you want to get your blood sugar levels back to a safe range quickly by:
- Starting with 15 grams of fast-acting glucose: One handy Transcend glucose gel will do the trick.
- Waiting 15 minutes: Give your body a moment to respond.
- Check your blood sugar: If you're still low, rinse and repeat.
What's the fastest way to manage hypoglycemia?
Meet your new best friends: Transcend glucose gel and shots.
When you're low, you need something that works fast, tastes good and doesn't make you feel like you're chewing on chalk. Transcend glucose gels and shots are designed to get you back to feeling human ASAP. Plus, they're portable, effective and taste way better than chewing on glucose tablets. Win-win-win!
What should I do after a hypo episode?
Once your blood sugar is back in range, consider eating a balanced meal or snack with protein and carbs to prevent another drop and keep an eye on your blood sugar levels to avoid any future drops.
How can hypoglycemia be prevented?
Preventing hypoglycemia is all about being one step ahead of the game. Keep low blood sugars at bay by:
Regular blood sugar monitoring
Keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels so you're never caught off guard. Regular monitoring means you'll know exactly when to step in before your blood sugar becomes too low.
Adjusting insulin
If you are finding yourself in low blood sugar territory too often, it is time to set up an appointment with your healthcare team. fine-tuning your insulin doses could be just the trick to keep things smooth and steady.
Planning for workouts
Whether you are gearing up for a gym session or taking a casual stroll, make adjustments to your carb intake or insulin to match your activity level. This way you can dodge any blood sugar crashes during and after exercise.
Keeping fast-acting glucose on hand
Always be prepared with fast-acting glucose, like Transcend, within arm's reach. It's your go-to for quick fixes when blood sugar levels decide to take an unexpected nosedive.
Final Thoughts
Hypoglycemia can be nerve-wracking and unpleasant, but with the right tools and tricks up your sleeve, you can manage it! Stay prepared, stay informed and keep your glucose gels handy!
Resources:
https://diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-care/hypoglycemia
About Amanda Ciprich, MS, RD
Amanda Ciprich, a registered dietitian with a specialization in type 1 diabetes, was diagnosed with T1D herself at the age of 18. With her expertise and personal experience, she has authored two books, including "The Caregiver's Guide to Diabetes: Practical Advice for Caring for Your Loved One." As the founder of T1D Nutritionist, a virtual insurance-based private practice, Amanda provides counseling and guidance to individuals with T1D and their families, supporting them in effectively managing diabetes.
*Disclaimer: All content and information in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only.
This article was medically reviewed by Amanda Ciprich, MS, RD. Last updated on 7/30/2024