What is diabetes hypoglycemia?

Diabetes hypoglycemia is a level of blood glucose ("sugar") that is too low.  Hypoglycemia can occur if a diabetes patient injects too much insulin, doesn't eat enough, or forgets or delays a meal.  If they exercise excessively, this can also cause blood sugar to drop too low. 

How much is too low?  Well, that depends on the diabetes patient's doctor, but generally:

• Mild hypoglycemia = blood sugar between 50 to 60
• Moderate hypoglycemia = blood sugar between 30 to 50
• Severe hypoglycemia = blood sugar < 30

Symptoms of mild hypoglycemia include feeling nervous, shaking, sweating, hunger, light-headed feeling and tingling lips.

Symptoms of moderate hypoglycemia include headache, blurry vision, sleepy, moody, rapid heart rate. 

Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia include unconsciousness, unable to respond, seizures.  This condition is dangerous.  If a person is suffering from severe hypoglycemia, the diabetes patient needs to be rushed to the emergency room or an ambulance called.

For mild and moderate hypoglycemia, the diabetic should take any one of the following:  3 to 4 glucose tablets; a serving of glucose gel; 1 tbsp. of honey; 1 cup of milk; 1/2 cup of orange, apple, or other fruit juice; 1/2 cup of regular sugar soda (not diet soda).   

If the diabetic is unresponsive or unconscious, place 1 tablespoon of glucose gel, honey, syrup or jelly on the inside of their cheek.  If they are unresponsive or unconscious, do not do place food or liquids in the mouth or the person could choke.