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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you think that your blood sugar may be dipping too low, check your blood sugar level with a blood glucose meter. Then eat or drink something that will raise your blood sugar level quickly. For example:
- Five to six pieces of hard candy
- Four ounces (118 milliliters) fruit juice or regular — not diet — soda
- One tablespoon (15 milliliters) sugar, jelly or honey
- Three glucose tablets (available without a prescription at most pharmacies)
If you experience symptoms of low blood sugar but can't check your blood sugar level right away, treat yourself as though you have hypoglycemia. In fact, you might want to carry at least one sugary item with you at all times. It's also a good idea to wear a bracelet that identifies you as someone who has diabetes.
Check your blood sugar level again 15 to 20 minutes later. If it's still too low, eat or drink something sugary. When you feel better, be sure to eat meals and snacks as usual.
When you meet with your doctor, mention any episodes of hypoglycemia. He or she will consider what triggered the hypoglycemia. If necessary, your doctor may change your diabetes treatment plan to prevent future problems with low blood sugar.
Emergency treatment
Hypoglycemia can leave you confused or even unconscious. In case you're not able to treat hypoglycemia yourself, make sure your family, friends and co-workers know what to do.
If you lose consciousness or can't swallow:
- You shouldn't be given fluids or food, as this may cause choking
- You need an injection of glucagon — a hormone that stimulates the release of sugar into the blood
- You need emergency treatment in a hospital if a glucagon injection isn't on hand
Glucagon is available by prescription only and comes in an emergency syringe kit. It contains one dose that has to be mixed before being injected. Store the glucagon at room temperature and be aware of the expiration date. Because vomiting can occur after an injection, you must be turned on your side to prevent choking if you're unconscious.
In 15 minutes you should be alert and able to swallow. You then need to eat. If you don't respond within 15 minutes, medical assistance should be called immediately.
- Cryer PE. Glucose homeostasis and hypoglycemia. In: Kronenberg HM, et al. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/172399185-6/0/1555/204.html?tocnode=54108916&fromURL=204.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2911-3..50035-2_3179. Accessed Nov. 19, 2009.
- McCulloch DK. Management of hypoglycemia during treatment of diabetes mellitus. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 9, 2009.
- Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose). American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/hypoglycemia-low-blood.html. Accessed Nov. 19, 2009.
- Hypoglycemia. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/hypoglycemia/hypoglycemia.pdf. Accessed Nov. 19, 2009.
- A1C. American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/a1c/. Accessed Dec. 2, 2009.
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