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.
What has to be done in an episode of hypoglycemia?
 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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