Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings

Hypoglycemia, commonly referred to as "low blood sugar", occurs when the amount of glucose in the blood falls below normal levels. Glucose is an important source of energy for the body. When your blood sugar is too low, your brain cells and muscles don't have enough energy to function properly. Hypoglycemia is often the result of a sudden drop in blood sugar levels and can usually be quickly treated. If you suspect that your blood sugar is low, eat a small amount of food containing glucose as soon as possible. If left untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to confusion, headache, or fainting. In severe cases, hypoglycemia can cause convulsions, coma, or can be fatal. This article explains how to prevent the onset of symptoms of low blood sugar.

Hypoglycemia can occur in diabetics or be a reaction to certain foods eaten. The second is called reactive hypoglycemia.

Steps

1. 1 Learn to recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia. Although they vary from person to person, common symptoms include feeling hungry, trembling, nervousness or anxiety, sweating, confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty speaking, weakness, blurred vision, drowsiness, headaches, nausea, irritability, and confusion.
2. 2 Develop a healthy meal plan that suits your personal eating and lifestyle habits. Consuming healthy food regularly is one of the most effective ways to prevent or manage hypoglycemia, especially if you have diabetes. If necessary, ask your doctor to help you develop such a meal plan.
3. 3 Eat 5 to 6 meals a day in sufficient portions and do not skip meals or snacks. Include protein in your meal plan, including meat, fish, chicken, turkey, beans, and nuts. Also eat a variety of vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, corn, potatoes, and romaine lettuce.
4. 4 At the first sign of symptoms of hypoglycemia, eat one of the following: 1/2 cup of fruit juice, 1/2 cup of regular soda (not dietary), 1 cup of milk, 5 - 6 pieces of candy, 1 tablespoon. honey or sugar, 3 - 4 glucose tablets or 1 serving (15 g) of glucose gel. Keep in mind that for children, the dose should be lower.

Tips

• Exercise and eat five or six small meals a day.
• Eating healthy snacks before exercise or before bed is very important for some people.
• If you suffer from severe hypoglycemic episodes, it is recommended that you regularly monitor your blood sugar by measuring it with a glucometer.If your glucose is below 70 mg / dL, eat something that quickly raises your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar after 15 minutes. If it doesn't get to 70 mg / dL or more, eat something else. Repeat these tips until your blood sugar is 70 mg / dL or higher.
• Avoid drinks and foods that are high in caffeine, including coffee, tea, and some types of sodas, because caffeine can also trigger hypoglycemic symptoms that make you feel worse.
• If you are at increased risk of hypoglycemia, then always keep foods that quickly raise blood sugar at work, in your car, or wherever you are.
• Avoid eating foods high in sugar, as this can lead to a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, which can only make the situation worse.

Warnings

• If you have hypoglycemia more than a few times a week, see your doctor. Your treatment plan may need to be changed.
• Hypoglycemia can be a side effect of certain medications used to treat diabetes, including insulin and pills that are taken to increase insulin production. Certain drug combinations can also cause hypoglycemia.
• Be careful when driving as symptoms of hypoglycemia can make driving extremely dangerous. When driving long distances, check your blood sugar frequently and snack as needed to keep your blood glucose level at least 70 mg / dL.
• In some people, consumption of alcoholic beverages, especially on an empty stomach, can cause hypoglycemia. In some cases, this reaction may be delayed by a day or two, so the relationship may be difficult to notice. Always consume alcoholic beverages with food or snacks.
• If you have diabetes or are prone to hypoglycemic episodes, describe your symptoms to friends, family, and co-workers so that they can help you if you experience a rapid or sharp drop in your blood sugar. In the case of young children, school staff should be instructed on how to recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia in a child and how to treat them.