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Hypoglycemia occurs when blood glucose (blood sugar) drops below normal levels. Generally speaking, the term hypoglycemia is used when the reading on the blood glucose monitor (device that determines the concentration of glucose in the blood) indicates less than 4 mmol/L. Severe hypoglycemia occurs when values are below 2.8 mmol/L. Glucose is an essential sugar that our body requires to function correctly and the main source of energy for the brain. An insufficient amount of blood glucose can therefore interfere with the proper functioning of the body and can even be fatal.
In healthy individuals, hypoglycemia can occur at any time, regardless of age. Nevertheless, this condition is more common in those with diabetes, a disease characterized by abnormally high glucose levels in the blood. Diabetics take drugs to reduce blood glucose which helps them achieve and maintain normal levels. However, some situations can cause diabetics to experience a greater drop than intended, resulting in hypoglycemia.
The common causes of hypoglycemia include:
Hypoglycemia can develop slowly but can also appear suddenly and progress quickly. Symptoms vary from person to person and are even non-existent in some cases. They are usually more serious, however, in diabetics. Symptoms become more numerous and severe as blood sugar levels drop.
The key to prevention resides in healthy eating throughout the day, engaging in moderate physical activity and adequate stress management. Those who are not diabetic are advised to eat smaller meals more frequently.
Any person with diabetes or prone to hypoglycemia should carry a source of fast-acting glucose on their person at all times. Friends and loved ones should be instructed on how to treat hypoglycemia. If you are hypoglycemic, it is also important for you to notify your pharmacist or physician since hypoglycemia can result from the improper management of antidiabetic medication, something that can be resolved with a simple medication adjustment.
As soon as the first signs of hypoglycemia appear:
If an individual loses consciousness, glucagon, a hormone that increases blood sugar, can be injected. If this should occur, call 911 or emergency services.
1 tube of Insta-glucose ®
½ cup (125 mL) of fruit juice or ½ cup of (125 mL) regular soft drink (never diet soft drinks)
3 teaspoons or 1 tablespoon of sugar, jam, caramel, honey or molasses
3 packets of white sugar diluted in water (never artificial sweeteners such as Splenda®)
5 LifeSavers® candies
¾ cup (175 mL) of fruit juice or ¾ cup (175 mL) regular soft drink (never diet soft drinks)
4 teaspoons of sugar, jam, caramel, honey or molasses
4 packets of white sugar diluted in water (never artificial sweeteners such as Splenda®)
7 LifeSavers® candies
Note: Chocolate, pastries and whole fruits are not the best choices when treating hypoglycemia. These sugars are considered too slow-acting.