What is dangerously low blood sugar

Monitoring blood sugar, with either a meter or a CGM, is the tried and true method for preventing hypoglycemia. Studies consistently show that the more a person checks blood sugar, the lower his or her risk of hypoglycemia. This is because you can see when blood sugar levels are dropping and can treat it before it gets too low. If you can, check often! Together, you can review all your data to figure out the cause of the lows. The more information you can give your health care provider, the better they can work with you to understand what's causing the lows.

Your provider may be able to help prevent low blood sugar by adjusting the timing of insulin dosing, exercise and meals or snacks. Changing insulin doses or the types of food you eat may also do the trick. If you're new to type 2 diabetes, join our free Living With Type 2 Diabetes program to get help and support during your first year. Log in menu Manage Account Search. Donate now. Hypoglycemia Low Blood Glucose. Blood Sugar Testing and Control. Hypoglycemia Low Blood sugar.

Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar happen quickly Each person's reaction to low blood sugar is different. Treatment—The " Rule" The rule—have 15 grams of carbohydrate to raise your blood sugar and check it after 15 minutes. Note: Young children usually need less than 15 grams of carbs to fix a low blood sugar level: Infants may need 6 grams, toddlers may need 8 grams, and small children may need 10 grams.

This needs to be individualized for the patient, so discuss the amount needed with your diabetes team. When treating a low, the choice of carbohydrate source is important. Complex carbohydrates, or foods that contain fats along with carbs like chocolate can slow the absorption of glucose and should not be used to treat an emergency low. Treating severe hypoglycemia Glucagon is a hormone produced in the pancreas that stimulates your liver to release stored glucose into your bloodstream when your blood sugar levels are too low.

Find products for dealing with low blood glucose Steps for treating a person with symptoms keeping them from being able to treat themselves.

If the glucagon is injectable, inject it into the buttock, arm or thigh, following the instructions in the kit. If your glucagon is inhalable, follow the instructions on the package to administer it into the nostril. When the person regains consciousness usually in minutes , they may experience nausea and vomiting. Do NOT: Inject insulin it will lower the person's blood sugar even more Provide food or fluids they can choke Causes of low blood sugar Low blood sugar is common for people with type 1 diabetes and can occur in people with type 2 diabetes taking insulin or certain medications.

Insulin Too much insulin is a definite cause of low blood sugar. DiabetesMine takes a look at three great new books for children about diabetes. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

How do Lows Feel? Fear and avoidance. What is hypoglycemia? What does low blood sugar feel like? Treatment options. New doctor-led awareness campaign. Share on Pinterest. My own hypo trauma. Read this next. This hormone tells your liver to process the stored sugars and release them into your bloodstream. If everything works as it should, your blood sugar levels should remain in the normal range until your next meal. Insufficient blood sugar levels can cause a rapid heartbeat and heart palpitations.

However, even if you have diabetes, you may not always have obvious symptoms of low blood sugar. This is a potentially dangerous condition called hypoglycemia unawareness. Normally, low blood sugar causes your body to release stress hormones, such as epinephrine.

Epinephrine is responsible for those early warning signs, like hunger and shakiness. When low blood sugar happens too frequently, your body may stop releasing stress hormones, called hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure, or HAAF. Oftentimes, low blood sugar can signal immense hunger. Low blood sugar levels can also cause a variety of problems within your central nervous system.

Early symptoms include weakness, lightheadedness , and dizziness. Headaches can occur from a lack of glucose, especially if you have diabetes. You may also feel signs of stress, such as nervousness, anxiety , and irritability. When blood sugar levels drop during the night, you may have nightmares, cry out during sleep, or other sleep disturbances.

Lack of coordination, chills , clammy skin , and sweating can happen with low blood sugar. Tingling or numbness of the mouth are other effects that may develop. Additionally, you may experience blurred vision, headache, and confusion.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Minus Related Pages. If you think you have low blood sugar, be sure to check it. The Rule. If any of the following happens, your friend, relative, or helper should call You pass out and no glucagon is available. You need a second dose of glucagon. You had glucagon but are still confused. Or call anytime you are concerned about your severely low blood sugar.