Episodes of Temporary Low Blood Sugar Levels
After taking a blood glucose meter test reading in the morning, before eating, most of us who have type-2 diabetes are generally aware that our blood sugar levels are somewhat above those fasting levels during the day. Blood sugar levels will have changed based on what we have subsequently eaten throughout the day and we may not know precisely what they are until our next self-administered blood test. From my own experience, it is difficult to tell from how I am feeling, just how much above normal levels they might be. (Check this link for more about: What Are Normal Blood Sugar Levels ?)
However, although not a frequent occurrence for me, when my blood sugars do get too low I certainly feel the effects and begin to experience the well-known symptoms. I notice a feeling of light-headedness, being overcome by a feeling of lassitude, my hands begin to tremble a little, and I may feel a little nauseous or my brow starts sweating and then I realize what it is – and I may even begin to panic.
Other symptoms than can be experienced by some are: anxiety, nervousness, listlessness, a faster heart beat, blurred vision, confusion, hunger, or headache.
A glucose boost is needed
At that point, when I begin to get those uneasy feelings, I know something must be done immediately and I don’t need to confirm my blood sugar levels with a meter reading, what I need is a glucose boost. I suspect that most type-2 diabetics have lived through the experience of low blood sugars and know what to do.
When blood sugars occasionally fall too low
If a diabetic person frequently experience episodes of low blood sugars, referred to by doctors as hypoglycemia, it is a different matter and a situation for the doctor to be consulted and a treatment process developed for that individual.
But every diabetic can face the possibility of an occasional episode of low blood sugars for various reasons, perhaps going too long without eating appropriate food or exercising too strenuously for the body to provide enough glucose to support the activities.
Lower than normal levels of blood glucose may trigger a different response in different people and they may differ depending on how fast they fall but once they get below 72 mg/dL (4.0 mmol/L) or when the queasy feelings described above become apparent, it is time to take action. As blood sugar levels fall lower, the brain will begin to be deprived of essential glucose, a dangerous condition, and it is important to know what to do immediately before becoming confused and lapsing into a coma – and that will happen if untreated.
Be prepared for such an emergency, have a source of glucose at hand
The usual suggestion is for the individual diabetic is to have available a number of candies, or glucose tablets, or about 3 teaspoons of sugar, or a glucose rich drink, such as half a cup or more of apple juice, or a cup of milk. If they are not readily available, get something quickly, don’t wait, the feelings won’t go away and it is becoming an emergency.
It is necessary to consume such food items immediately in order to provide sufficient glucose to overcome the temporary condition. Once that has been achieved, it takes some time to recover fully, maybe even a few hours to feel near normal and it is important to maintain better blood sugar levels from that time on. That may soon require a meal or a snack but do whatever it takes to get back to normal and stay that way.
