Treatment and prevention of hypoglycemia.
In most of the cases, hypoglycemia does not occur suddenly. It develops  progressively starting with mild or moderate symptoms. Of course in some people the problem can be severely invasive and lead to unconsciousness but such episodes are quite rare. Typically, hypoglycemia is easily recognizable, providing the sufferer or his/her family, friends and colleagues are aware of the symptoms. In other words, hypoglycemia usually gives a reasonable period of time for simple and straightforward treatment.
Treatment of hypoglycemia aims to only one thing. This is the urgent restoration of blood glucose level to 110mg/dL. Of course after the incident, some investigation may be needed, in order any underlying causative factor to be identified, if this is unknown.
This is important, because if the cause is dealt properly, further incidents may be prevented.
 If the person presents just the mild symptoms and can communicate, perhaps the only measure required at this stage is the intake of some sugary beverage or snack. These can be a spoonful of honey or crystalline sugar, a glass of squash or soft drink, a cup of milk, a couple of small pieces of chocolate or small quantity of dried fruits, such as dates, figs, raisins, and apricots. Whatever the snack is, it should not contain much of fat, since the latest can interfere with absorption of sugar and make it slower.
If the treatment is successful, within ten minutes the symptoms will start
subsiding
and within fifteen minutes a measurement will show that the blood glucose has retuned to normal level.
If there is a significant improvement but the results are not the expected ones yet, the above actions must be repeated.
If you are giving first aids to a person with a hypoglycemic episode, do not hesitate to provide more sugary stuff, if you think this is necessary. The worst result the patient may end up with is a high blood glucose level. At that particular time this doesn’t really matter, since in a short term, hypoglycemia is the life-threatening situation and not hyperglycemia. Meanwhile, depending on the severity and the duration of the hypoglycemic episode, a glucagon injection will be needed and an ambulance must be called for safety reasons.
In cases that the person gets unconscious, urgent transportation to the
emergencies
will be needed, where glucose solution will be given intravenously.
Prevention of hypoglycemia and precautions.
Prevention of hypoglycemia is easy, providing certain simple measures will be taken to this direction. It has to be cleared that any needed precautions are not necessary for all people but only for patients suffering from diabetes and others who have had one hypoglycemic episode in the past.
If you are included in one of the above categories or your doctor has diagnosed any other condition that potentially can lead to non-diabetic hypoglycemia, you have to take some preventive measures, like the ones mentioned below.
Try to have many small meals, of similar nutritional and caloric value during the day end not two or three large ones instead. This will result in regular supply of glucose throughout the day and prevent wide blood sugar fluctuations that your body will have to cope with.
If you have been prescribed any medications, you have to take them consistently. Do not miss a dose and never take more than the recommended one.
Do not start using any herbal or alternative remedies for diabetes, without consulting your healthcare provider.
Do only the exercise that has been recommended for you. Always keep your physical activity within the limits that have been set for you, in terms of duration, specific time and intensity.
Monitor your blood glucose level before and after your physical activity session. If it is less than 120mg/dL, do not do any training of work, before you restore your blood sugal to a proper level. This possibly can be done by eating a sweet beverage or snack. If you take insulin or you are very prone to hypoglycemia, you may have to take a break and do a measurement during the session.
Have your meals, beverages and snacks at the same time each day and by no means skip or miss a meal. This is important, because your dietary schedule has been set in correlation of your exercise plan and the time you take your medication. If you change any of these three factors, you are at high risk to experience hypoglycemia, since you will alter the glucose balance.
Do not drink alcohol, because this may result in hypoglycemia.
Always keep a glucagon set in an easily accessible place and let your family or friends know how to use it, if you experience a hypoglycemic episode. Instructions about how the injection must be prepared and administered are usually written on the package. If you are unsure, you can ask your doctor for more details.
If you have experienced hypoglycemia in the past or if you take insulin, it would be a good idea for you to wear a necklace, bracelet or any other easily noticeable item on which brief information about your problem will be given, followed by specific instructions. This may be proved critical for your safety, since somebody will be able to use the glucagon kit and call the ambulance, if you get unconscious.
Avoid to experiment with any fat diets, because they simply are too dangerous for you.
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