What you Need to Know about Diabetic Hypoglycemia, the Symptoms and Treatment
Hypoglycemia "Hypos"
The first and most common diabetic complication to know about, is Hypoglycemia. A "Hypo" is the usual term given for very low blood glucose levels. This can be more common in the early onset of diabetes, as you get used to your treatment, but if you give yourself too much insulin, take too much exercise or eat too little, you may find yourself experiencing a hypo.
A hypo can affect you in two major ways, intellectually and physically. The functions and symptoms relating to the brain that can be affected are
- Headache
- Confusion
- Difficulty in concentration
- Visual impairments
- Coma and spasms (if the hypo is very severe)
Physical effects include
- Sweating
- Increased heart rate and palpitations
By recognising the signs of a hypo early, you can treat it with a suitable amount of glucose, before it becomes severe. You should always carry glucose or some other sugar source with you in a convenient form, for instance glucose tablets or biscuits. You should be especially careful to avoid a hypo before starting a long car journey or undertaking some other activity where concentration is required for long periods without a break. Always keep some glucose tablets or other convenient forms of glucose with you.
In extreme cases where you have lost consciousness, you are not able to swallow and hence you need a glucagon injection. Glucagon kits are available to buy. If you don't have a kit or no one is available to administer one, someone must call the emergency services for you, so you can be treated. This highlights why it is so important to wear a medical identity bracelet or pendant, to allow others to identify your condition.
As previously mentioned certain things can lower your blood glucose levels. Taking exercise is a good idea for almost all diabetics, but needs planning. Typically you will need to reduce the normal amount of insulin you take with a meal to allow your glucose levels to rise a little higher than normal, then the energy you burn during exercise will bring them down. It sounds a difficult balancing act, but practise makes perfect of course. Alcohol can lower your glucose levels, particularly if taken on an empty stomach.
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More Resources
[ www.diabetes.org ]
[ www.diabetes.ca ]
[ www.diabetesnet.com ]
[ www.diabetes.org.uk ]
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[ Hypos ] [ Hypers ] [ Men's health ] [ Women's health ] [ Ketoacidosis ] [ Kidneys ] [ Eyes ] [ Heart Disease ] [ Nerve Damage ] [ Diabetic Foot ]
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