Diabetes low blood sugar symptoms

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Symptoms of low blood glucose (sugar) levels

A low blood glucose level can occur when your blood glucose drops below a certain level (usually less than 4 mmol/L).

This may be caused by:

Not eating enough food

Missing or delaying a meal

Exercising without taking the necessary precautions

Taking too much insulin

Drinking alcohol.

*** Low blood glucose can happen quickly, so it is important to take care of it right away.

The warning signs of a low blood glucose level

Note the symptoms you are experiencing, this will help you to identify low blood sugar in the future.

You may feel:

Sudden severe hunger

Shaky or light-headed

Nervous or irritable

Sweaty

Weak

Your heart beats at a faster rate

Confused

A numbness or tingling in your tongue or lips.

headache

unusually sleepy

mood changes or swings

sudden anxiety

& even unconsciousness or coma or seizures in extreme cases (Make sure you always wear MedicAlert® identification)

*** IMPORTANT NOTE: Some people do not have early warning signs of hypoglycemia. People like this must check their blood sugar levels more often to avoid this condition. It is of utmost importance for all persons with diabetes to check their blood sugar levels before driving a motor vehicle.

How to treat low blood glucose

(As recommended by the Canadian Diabetes Association)

Check your blood glucose. If you do not have your meter with you treat the symptoms anyway. It is better to be safe. Eat or drink a form of sugar such as:

3 B-D Glucose Tablets™ or 5 Dextrose Tablets™

6 Life Savers TM

3/4 cup (175mL) of juice or regular pop

1 tablespoon (15mL) of honey.