What to do when your blood sugar drops

Submitted by PatientsEngage on 24 October 2016

Hypoglycaemia or a sharp drop in blood sugar levels can cause severe discomfort and dizziness and, in some extreme cases, even death. Dr Roshani Sanghani, renowned endocrinologist and the founder of Aasaan Health Solutions shares valuable tips on how to tackle a condition which can afflict any person with diabetes at any given time.

Many patients are troubled by sudden and unexpected blood sugar levels dropping. When the level drops below 70 mg/dl, it is considered hypogylcemia! Hypogylcaemia is considered a matter of concern and should be addressed immediately.

Follow these quick and easy steps when hypogylcaemia hits or blood sugar drops below 70 mg/dl:

  • Watch out for signs of Hypogylcaemia such as shaking, dizziness, headache, excessive sweating, anxiety, irritability etc.
  • Measure the blood glucose levels using a home glucometer device.
  • Drink 150 ml of plain milk or 75ml of any fruit juice (fresh or processed). The idea is to intake 15 grams of carbohydrate to raise the blood glucose levels by 15 points.
  • Rest for 15 minutes and recheck the blood sugar levels.
  • If the levels have risen, just try to relax. If levels have not risen, then repeat steps 3 & 4.
  • Keep a diary of food intake and medication dosage to investigate the trigger you’re your hypogylcemia. This will help you to avoid such triggers in the future.
  • Inform your doctor about your hypogylcaemia episode at your next visit. If medication is causing the drop, then your doctor may decide to lower your dosage.
     

Pic below: Dr. Roshani conducting an information session for patients at her clinic.

Community
Diabetes
Condition
Diabetes
Changed
Fri, 11/03/2017 - 16:25

Stories

  • Neighbourhoods That Encourage Walking Reduce Obesity and Diabetes
    People who live in neighborhoods that are conducive to walking experienced a substantially lower rate of obesity, overweight and diabetes than those who lived in more auto-dependent neighborhoods, according to a pair of studies presented at the American Diabetes Association's 74th Scientific Sessions. http://www.diabetescare.net/article/title/neighborboods-that-encourage-walking-reduce-obesity-and-diabetes   Those who read this, also read one of our contributor's journey as a diabetic for…
  • Highest number of diabetes-linked TB cases (302,000) in India, says Lancet
    Diabetes is making an increasingly important contribution to the TB epidemic and a 52% increase in diabetes prevalence recorded over the last 3 years in the 22 highest TB burden countries is thought to be responsible for a rise in diabetes-associated TB cases from 10% in 2010 to 15% in 2013,” says the Lancet study to be published in the medical journal this week. Read more here  Diabetes has long been known to be a risk factor for active tuberculosis and reactivation of latent tuberculosis…
  • Healthy Foods and Treats in Singapore
    Juliana Lim has had Type II diabetes for 27 years. Here, she shares her diabetes and cholesterol friendly secrets and her little treats. She is a committee member of Diabetic Society of Singapore and represents the Diabetic Support Group.  Food - Try to include the following in your daily diet: 1. Small black fungus -These are easily available in supermarkets and can definitely help to manage your blood sugar. 2. Ladies fingers (Okra) - Try to get the fresher ones.…
  • Research Tie up for Diabetes Nephropathy
    AstraZeneca and Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma said on Wednesday they said signed a three-year research collaboration into diabetic nephropathy, or kidney failure due to diabetes. http://news.yahoo.com/astrazeneca-mitsubishi-tanabe-diabetes-research-064428458--finance.html
  • Delhi schools lead fight against diabetes
    A number of schools in Delhi will be among the first in India to receive information and training on how to educate teachers, students and parents on diabetes (type 1 and type 2). A joint initiative by the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), HRIDAY (Health Related Information Dissemination Amongst Youth), the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Sanofi India Limited, the KiDS (Kids and Diabetes in Schools) 'School Diabetes Information Pack' was released last week in Delhi. …
  • The Sweet Truth
    All you need to know about artificial sweeteners and sugar-free treats. By Dr Gita Mathai, a paediatrician and family practitioner.  Food is enjoyed if it looks, smells and tastes good. It needs to provide an appetising blend of salt, sugar, bitters, sourness and spice. The first three in excess are “injurious to health”, and, of these, sugar is considered the greatest villain of all. It is purported to be singlehandedly responsible for the global epidemic of…
  • Diabetic kids in school
    Parents of diabetic kids need to communicate with the school teachers so that the teachers can take extra care http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Chennai/Diabetic-kids-need-extra-care-at-school-say-doctors/articleshow/39197728.cms
  • What your body may be trying to tell you
    Abnormally dry skin? Change in hair colour or shape of your nails? Even simple changes in the body may signify an underlying problem that you need to get checked out. By Dr Gita Mathai, paediatrician and family practitioner, shares tips to help you stay vigilant. The Skin should be a healthy colour.  • If it turns yellow, you may have jaundice.  • If it looks pale, get checked for anaemia. Here's how to manage iron-deficient anaemia. • Excessively cracked and…
  • Number of diabetic women on the rise
    "In Tamil Nadu, it was found that 2,66,661 women above the age of 30 years were diabetic,," the health minister said. Terming diabetes as a killer disease, he recommended that people should exercise more regularly. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Trichy/Number-of-women-affected-by-diabetes-on-the-rise/articleshow/38768515.cms
  • FDA Approves Inhaled Insulin Afrezza for Diabetes
    The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the inhaled human insulin product Afrezza (MannKind Corp) to improve glycemic control in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Afrezza is a rapid-acting inhaled insulin to be administered prior to meals or within 20 minutes of starting a meal. It is not a substitute for long-acting insulin, and must be used in combination with long-acting insulin in patients with type 1 diabetes. It is not recommended for the treatment of…