What
is LOW blood sugar?
When
the amount of blood glucose (sugar in your blood) has dropped below your target
range (less than 4 mmol/L), it is called low blood sugar or hypoglycemia.
What
are the signs of a LOW blood sugar level?
You
may feel:
Shaky,
light-headed, nauseated, Nervous, irritable, anxious, Confused, unable to
concentrate, Hungry, your heart rate is faster, Sweaty, headachy, Weak, drowsy,
A numbness or tingling in your tongue or lips, Nausea
Low
blood sugar can happen quickly, so it is important to treat it right away. If
your blood sugar drops very low, you may need help from another person. Very
low blood sugar can make you:
Confused
and disoriented, lose consciousness, Have a seizure
What
causes a LOW blood sugar level (hypoglycemia)?
Low
blood sugar may be caused by:
More
physical activity than usual, Not eating on time, Eating less than you should
have, Taking too much medication, The effects of drinking alcohol
How
do I treat LOW blood sugar?
If
you are experiencing the signs of a low blood sugar level, check your blood sugar
immediately. If you don’t have your meter with you, treat the symptoms anyway.
It is better to be safe.
Eat
or drink a fast-acting carbohydrate (15 grams):
15
g of glucose in the form of glucose tablets, 15 mL (1 tablespoon) or 3 packets
of sugar dissolved in water, 150 mL (2/3 cup) of juice or regular soft drink, 6
LifeSavers® (1 = 2.5 g of carbohydrate), 15 mL (1 tablespoon) of honey (do not
use for children less than 1 year old)
Wait
15 minutes, then check your blood sugar again. If it is still low:
Treat
again; wait 15 minutes, check your blood sugar. Continue these steps
until
your blood sugar is above 4 and When your blood sugar is above 4:
If
your next meal is more than one hour away, or you are going to be active, eat a
snack, such as half of a sandwich or cheese and crackers (something with 15
grams of carbohydrate and a protein source)
Wait
40 minutes after treating a low blood sugar before driving
Think
about why your blood sugar went low and make the necessary changes to avoid low
blood sugar again.
Make
sure you always wear your Medic Alert identification, and talk to your doctor
or diabetes educator about prevention and emergency treatment for severe low
blood sugar.
What
is HIGH blood sugar?
When
your fasting blood glucose (sugar in your blood) is at or above 11 mmol/L, you
may:
Be
thirsty, urinate more often than usual, especially during the night, Be tired
What
causes HIGH blood sugar (hyperglycemia)?
High
blood sugar can result when food, activity and medications are not balanced.
High blood sugar may happen when you are sick or under stress.
What
do I do if I have HIGH blood sugar?
Follow
the treatment recommended by your doctor, diabetes educator or other member of
your health-care team. If this happens often, you may need to call or see your
doctor to:
Adjust
your meal plan, adjust your physical activity, Adjust your medication and/or
insulin
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