Diabetes and Hypoglycemia – Lower than Normal Blood Sugar Levels
Testing for blood sugar levels
Most persons with diabetes normally check their blood sugar levels at least once each day, usually in the morning before breakfast when the stomach is “empty”. The need is to see whether their blood sugar levels are within the normal range, always with the expectation and hope that they are not above the normal blood sugar levels that signify the loss of control of the diabetic condition.
Type-1 diabetics will take further blood tests throughout the day, type-2 diabetics may also test during the day, more likely if they are trying to closely manage blood sugar levels that are getting out of control, otherwise a single morning test may be deemed sufficient.
Lower than normal blood sugars
Perhaps because with type-2 diabetics it is not a very frequent occurrence, especially in adults or in children over 10 years of age, the possibility of having an episode of lower than normal blood sugars is often overlooked. But it does happen, most diabetics have experienced those uneasy feelings leading up to the realization that blood sugars are too low and are causing an unpleasant experience and perhaps ending with a slightly traumatic shock to the “system” that’s sets you back for a while. Although most cases are mild and can be treated easily and further damage prevented.
The warning symptoms that give the alert can vary but my personal experience is of having a queasy nauseous feeling, trembling hands, slight perspiration and a general feeling of something in process of going wrong that might be leading to a faint or dizziness. Others have reported shakiness, nervousness, light- headedness, anxiety, confusion, difficulty in speaking, and sleepiness. With diabetes, without a measuring device, you usually cannot tell when your blood sugars are above normal levels but when they are below normal you certainly know because of the feelings of malaise mentioned above.
In extreme cases, a frightening situation to be avoided
All persons with diabetes and their families should know what has to be done in the event that an episode caused by lower than normal blood sugar levels is occurring. If the diabetic can take the necessary actions themselves, that is very good but that may not always be the case, that is why others should be aware of what has to be done, otherwise the condition will worsen, possibly to the extent that it can be life threatening, a frightening possibility. For children at school, teachers and staff should also be prepared with the knowledge of what to do and have appropriate food items close at hand.
If blood sugars are lower than 70mg/dL (4.0 mmol/L)
When a diabetic person’s glucose blood measuring meter is available, it takes just a minute to confirm blood sugar levels. If the reading is 70mg/dL (4.0 mmol/L) or lower, it is too low and is a hypoglycemic condition, a doctor’s name for low blood sugars.
If levels are too low the remedy is quite simple: food or drink is required to quickly provide needed glucose. That can be accomplished with any of the following:
- a half glass or half cup of about 4 ounces of apple, orange, or other natural fruit juice or sugary non-diet soft drink
- a teaspoon of honey or sugar
- 5 or 6 pieces of hard candy
- an 8-ounce glass or cup of milk
- an energy snack bar or glucose drink that can provide about 15 grams of carbohydrate quickly
Such items should always be readily available in the home of a diabetic person and appropriate similar items should be assembled if staying overnight elsewhere or traveling away from home base. When the consequences of a hypoglycemic event are known, common sense can be the guide – but always have an emergency supply available just in case.
[...] sugar levels can fall to low levels that are actually dangerous, more on this topic may be found at Lower Than Normal. In conclusion Knowing the above blood sugar levels, and the comparison with those of a non-diabetic [...]