What is low blood sugar?
Low blood sugar is when your blood sugar goes below 70 mg/dL. It is important to know when it could happen, what the signs and symptoms are, and how to treat it.
When could it happen?
- If your meal is delayed, or if you eat less than usual, especially when eating fewer carbohydrates.
- If you are more active than usual.
- If you take extra diabetes medicine, or if you take it on a different time schedule.
- If you drink alcohol on an empty stomach.
- After taking certain diabetes medicines like insulin, Glipizide, or Glyburide for example.
What are some of the signs and symptoms?
The only way to really know your blood sugar is to check it with a meter. Not everyone shows signs or symptoms.
- You may feel: dizzy, shaky, sweaty, irritable, or weak.
- You may have: a headache, difficulty concentrating, confusion, or increased hunger.
How do I treat it?
If your blood sugar is below 70 mg/dL follow the Rule of 15. If using a CGM, do a quick blood sugar check with your blood glucose meter to confirm.
1. Eat or drink 15 grams of carbohydrates. Examples include:
- 1/2 cup regular soda or fruit juice, or
- 4 glucose tablets, or
- 1 tbsp honey, or
- 3 sugar packets
2. Wait 15 minutes and check your blood sugar again. A finger stick is the best way to check, do not use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to check the treatment of low blood sugar. If your blood sugar is still below 70 mg/dL, please connect with your local healthcare provider.
3. Once your blood sugar is over 70 mg/dL, eat a balanced meal or snack within the next 30 minutes to keep your blood sugar steady.
If you have low blood sugars regularly, please inform your healthcare provider and your DayTwo dietitian.
If you do not have a blood glucose meter, please reach out to your health insurance or healthcare provider to find out how to get one – often you can get one for free.