Hypoglycemia and Diabetes- Treatment
Treatment
| Normal and target blood glucose ranges | (mg/dL) |
| Normal blood glucose levels in people who do not have diabetes | |
| Upon waking (fasting) | 70 to 110 |
| After meals | 70 to 140 |
| Target blood glucose levels in people who have diabetes | |
| Before meals | 90 to 130 |
| 1 to 2 hours after the start of a meal | less than 180 |
| Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) | 70 or below |
If you think your blood glucose is too low, use a blood glucose meter to check your level. If it is 70 mg/dL or below, have one of these "quick fix" foods right away to raise your blood glucose:
2 or 3 glucose tabletsAfter 15 minutes, check your blood glucose again to make sure that it is no longer too low. If it is still too low, have another serving. Repeat these steps until your blood glucose is at least 70. Then, if it will be an hour or more before your next meal, have a snack.
1/2 cup (4 ounces) of any fruit juice
1/2 cup (4 ounces) of a regular (not diet) soft drink
1 cup (8 ounces) of milk
5 or 6 pieces of hard candy
1 or 2 teaspoons of sugar or honey
If you take insulin or a diabetes medication that can cause hypoglycemia, always carry one of the quick-fix foods with you. Wearing a medical identification bracelet or necklace is also a good idea.
Exercise can also cause hypoglycemia. Check your blood glucose before you exercise.
Severe hypoglycemia can cause you to lose consciousness. In these extreme cases when you lose consciousness and cannot eat, glucagon can be injected to quickly raise your blood glucose level. Ask your health care provider if having a glucagon kit at home and at work is appropriate for you. This is particularly important if you have type 1 diabetes. Your family, friends, and co-workers will need to be taught how to give you a glucagon injection in an emergency.
Prevention of hypoglycemia while you are driving a vehicle is especially important. Checking blood glucose frequently and snacking as needed to keep your blood glucose above 70 mg/dL will help prevent accidents.
Reference:
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Hypoglycemia. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. National Institutes of Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH Publication No. 03–3926, March 2003
