A serious possible complication of type II diabetes is hypoglycemia. For everyone with diabetes, it is critical to make a detailed action plan to take in case of an acute (sudden) hypoglycemia event.
What is hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia is the clinical term for low blood sugar. People with type II diabetes do not respond to insulin in a normal manner, and insulin controls how the body takes sugar from the blood.
- Medications: Certain medications can cause blood sugar to drop.
- Insulin: Too much insulin, or insulin in combination with physical activity can cause hypoglycemia.
- Exercise: This is one of the best ways to improve your health and reduce type II diabetes complications. However, exercise causes your body to rapidly transfer sugar from the blood to the cells of the body, which they use for energy; this can cause hypoglycemia.
Treating your diabetes with medications, insulin, or exercise can bring about a sudden acute drop in blood sugar, causing hypoglycemia.
What are the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia?
Acute hypoglycemia events range from mild to severe. The signs and symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Hunger
- Confusion
- Trouble speaking
The most severe cases of hypoglycemia can cause coma, seizures, or even death.
What should you do if you or a loved one has a hypoglycemia attack?
- Inject glucagon: Glucagon is a natural hormone your body makes that tells it to raise your blood sugar. Administering more of this hormone can help combat hypoglycemia. Your doctor can advise the dosage and method of injection.
- Call 911: If the episode is severe, don't hesitate to call 911 for emergency medical help.
- Do not inject insulin: Injecting insulin causes your blood sugar to drop further.
- Eat high-carbohydrate foods or glucose tablets: Talk to your doctor about specific food recommendations. These may include regular (not diet) soda, candy, fruit juice, or even white sugar or honey.
How can you prevent a hypoglycemia attack?
- Make a plan: Create an action plan in the event you do experience a sudden severe drop in blood sugar.
- Eat!: Eat regular meals, and be careful not to skip them. Snacks are also important, especially before exercising.
- Check your blood sugar levels: Monitor them regularly, especially before and after physical activity.
- Watch your alcohol intake: Alcohol can cause hypoglycemia, especially if ingested on an empty stomach.
What can I do to be prepared for a hypoglycemia attack?
- Create a "hypoglycemia kit": This should contain glucagon, syringes, and high-carbohydrate foods or glucose tablets.
- Put the kit in a convenient place: Store it where you or your family can always find it.
- Practice: Just like a fire drill, practice the plan!
