How to Treat Low Blood Sugar in Diabetes?
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Did you suddenly feel hungry, dizzy, nervous, or perhaps too weak to stand up?
If yes, then this could be a sign that your blood sugar is low, and you need to take immediate action.
Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, can be a concerning condition, especially for people managing diabetes.
It occurs when your blood sugar levels fall below the normal range, leading to a variety of symptoms that can affect your well-being.
Recognizing these signs and knowing how to respond is crucial.
080694 50746What is Low Blood Sugar?
Low blood sugar happens when the glucose level in your blood drops below 70 mg/dL.
It’s essential for your body’s functioning, as glucose is the primary energy source for your cells. Several factors can lead to hypoglycemia, including dehydration, skipping meals, or intense physical activity.
Based on your blood sugar readings, hypoglycemia can be categorised into:
| Severity | Blood Sugar Level | Symptoms |
| Mild | Below 70 mg/dL | Hunger, Nervousness, Shaking, Sweating, Cold clammy skin, Headache, Faster heartbeat |
| Moderate | Below 55 mg/dL | Dizziness, Sleepiness, Weakness, Irritability, Trouble speaking, Confusion |
| Severe | Below 40 mg/dL | Seizures, Convulsions, Loss of consciousness, Coma |
How Can You Treat Low Blood Sugar?
Whenever your blood sugar drops below 70 mg/dL, the Rule of 15 is the proven treatment option. This method is designed to gradually and safely increase your blood sugar to a healthier range.
What is the Rule of 15?
The Rule of 15 is a widely recognized and effective treatment of hypoglycemia. It involves three simple steps:
Step 1: Consume Simple Sugar/Carbohydrate
- Consume 15 grams of carbs, which can be:
- 3 – 4 glucose tablets, OR
- Half a glass of fruit juice (like mango/orange juice), OR
- 1 tablespoon of honey or jaggery, OR
- Half a small banana, OR
- 4 – 5 pieces of small toffee/candies
Step 2: Wait 15 Minutes
- Do not eat or drink anything during this time.
- Take rest; don’t do any heavy activity.
Step 3: Check Blood Sugar
Step 4: Repeat if Needed
- If glucose is still low (below 70 mg/dL), go back to step 1.
- Recheck blood sugar after another 15 minutes.
Step 5: Stabilize
- Once glucose is above 70 mg/dL, eat a small snack if your next meal is more than an hour away.
Step 6: Monitor
- Continue to check blood sugar regularly.
- Contact your doctor if multiple repeats are needed.
Keep repeating this process until your blood sugar is normal again. If your blood sugar is stable but your next meal is over an hour away, eat a snack with carbs and protein to keep your levels steady.
The Rule of 15 works well for slight to medium-low blood sugar. But, if someone can’t wake up or swallow because of very low blood sugar, they need urgent medical treatment.
You can also try some easy and quick steps for the treatment of low blood sugar levels, including
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Quick Steps For The Treatment Of Low Blood Sugar Levels
1. Glucose Drink
A standard glucose drink is easily available, like Glucon-D, which is commonly found in Indian households. You can drink a medium glass of it with added sugar.
2. Immediate Actions for Nearing Hypoglycemia
- Prepone Meal: If it’s nearly lunchtime and hypoglycemia symptoms appear, you should have an early lunch consisting of a chapati with dal and vegetables.
- Extra Teaspoon of Sugar: Stirring an extra teaspoon of sugar into a cup of lemon tea or masala chai can quickly increase blood sugar.
Below are the preventive steps you can take :
3. Lifestyle Modifications (LSM)
- Eating Well: Make sure to eat healthy meals that have whole grains, protein, and fats together. A good example could be a plate with brown rice, dal, different veggies and a bowl of salad.
- Exercise: Be active, fast pace walking, cycling, or swimming for about 150 minutes every week.
- Sleeping & Stress: Try to get deep & quality sleep for 7-9 hours every night. To feel less stressed, you can try doing yoga, meditation or taking deep breaths to help keep your blood sugar steady.
Apart from these, our Indian kitchen too has easily available things which can help you to manage your low blood sugar levels.
Things You Can Find in the Indian Kitchen to Low Your Blood Sugar
Your kitchen has everything you need to manage/treat your low blood sugar quickly. Below are a few things which are readily available if you are at your home, you can try:
- Drinking a small glass of natural juices like mango, orange, or sweet lime, nimbu paani, kokam sharbat, chaas/lassi (with sugar) without added fibers/pulp
- Consuming a tablespoon of honey or a piece of jaggery
- Eating a half or whole small ripe banana
- Eating a handful of dry fruits like raisins, dates, and apricots
- Eating 4-5 pieces of candies/toffies
- Eating 4-5 sweet biscuits/glucose biscuits
- Drinking 100-120 ml of any soft drink
What is the Treatment for Severe Hypoglycemia?
If someone (people with type 1 diabetes) is experiencing severe low blood sugar levels, may need Glucagon injections (a hormone that quickly raises blood sugar levels).
You should immediately contact your doctor to manage the condition well in time.
How to Prevent Recurrent Future Episodes of Hypoglycemia?
Once your blood sugar levels are back to normal, get in touch with your doctor and get yourself checked.
Your doctor make you understand what caused the drop, which might involve reviewing your meals, activity levels, or medication doses.
How We At Fitterfly Can Help You?
At Fitterfly, we help you handle low blood sugar easily. We teach you simple ways to spot and fix low blood sugar so you feel safe and confident.
With the help of technology, we guide you on how to know when your blood sugar levels are not in range, with the help of CGM sensor. With our program, taking care of your diabetes feels simpler and less stressful.
All you need to do is give us a missed call on 08069450746 or check out Fitterfly’s Diabetes Prime Program and choose according to your needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the initial steps for hypoglycemia treatment?
The initial steps for treating hypoglycemia involve consuming 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets, fruit juice, honey, or candies. This is followed by waiting 15 minutes and rechecking blood sugar levels to ensure they are returning to normal.
Can hypoglycemia treatment vary by severity?
Yes, hypoglycemia treatment varies by severity. For mild to moderate hypoglycemia, the Rule of 15 is recommended. For severe hypoglycemia, especially in cases where the person is unconscious or unable to swallow, medical treatment with glucagon injections may be necessary.
What role does diet play in hypoglycemia treatment?
Diet plays an important role in both treating and preventing hypoglycemia. Consuming small, balanced meals throughout the day can help maintain stable blood sugar levels. After treating an immediate hypoglycemic episode with fast-acting carbs, eating a snack or meal containing protein and complex carbohydrates can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
How does the Rule of 15 work in hypoglycemia treatment?
The Rule of 15 works by having the individual consume 15 grams of simple sugars and then waiting 15 minutes to recheck their blood sugar. If levels are still below 70 mg/dL, the process is repeated until blood sugar levels normalize. This method helps to safely and gradually raise blood sugar levels.
