Hypoglycemia
Healthy Lifestyle Tips
According to the American Diabetes Association, untreated hypoglycemia carries potentially serious health risks. Fortunately, acute hypoglycemia is simple to treat, requiring only nourishment to balance the blood sugar. After using glucose test to confirm that blood sugar is low:
- Consume 15 to 20 grams of glucose or simple carbohydrates
- Recheck blood glucose after 15 minutes. If hypoglycemia continues, repeat.
- Once blood glucose returns to normal, eat a small snack if your next planned meal or snack is more than an hour or two away.
Stay prepared to support your blood sugar stability by keeping 15 grams of simple carbohydrates on hand:
- glucose tablets (follow package instructions)
- gel tube (follow package instructions)
- 2 tablespoons of raisins
- 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of juice or regular soda (not diet)
- 1 tablespoon sugar, honey, or corn syrup 8 ounces of nonfat or 1% milk
- hard candies, jellybeans, or gumdrops (see package to determine how many to consume)
Of course, be sure to discuss your hypoglycemia plan with your doctor first, so that it is tailored to your individual circumstances.