TIPS TO TREAT LOW BLOOD SUGAR

If you think you are having a low blood sugar reaction, stop what you are doing and proceed with the following steps.

  • Test your blood sugar level. Commonly symptoms happen when the blood sugar is below 60, but reactions can occur anytime the blood sugar drops suddenly. If you can’t check your blood sugar, don’t wait to treat a reaction. Its better to treat, especially if you have to drive a car.
  • Follow the 15/15 rule

Take 15 Grams of carbohydrate to raise your blood sugar level, such as 3-4 glucose tablets, 1 tube of glucose gel, ½ cup regular soda or juice or 5-7 lifesavers. Wait 15 minutes and test your blood sugar again. If it is not above 80, take another 15 Grams of carbohydrate.

  • If you will not be eating a meal in the next 30 minutes or so, be sure to have a snack which contains some carbohydrate and protein so that the blood sugar does not drop again. Some crackers and milk or peanut butter on a few crackers are examples.
  • Be sure and jot down any low blood sugars in your log and discuss these with your doctor and or diabetes educator.
  • If you are with someone else who has Diabetes who becomes confused, sweaty, shaky or whose general appearance changes, encourage them to take some quick form of sugar as outlined above.

Low blood sugars, if untreated can be life threatening. These simple tips can truly be lifesavers.