Keeping your blood sugar level in a healthy range isn’t always easy. Many things can cause your blood sugar to drop, such as:
For Kids: How to Handle Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)Keeping your blood sugar level in a healthy range isn’t always easy. Many things can cause your blood sugar to drop, such as:Being more active than usual; Giving yourself too much insulin; Skipping meals and snacks; or Being sickWhen your blood sugar level drops too low, you have hypoglycemia. For many people with diabetes, that means your blood sugar level is below 70 milligrams per deciliter. But that level can vary. Your doctor will tell you what’s too low for you.If you have hypoglycemiaThe first step in handling hypoglycemia is knowing the warning signs. They can be different for everyone. So take note of your own symptoms.When you have low blood sugar, you may feel shaky, hungry, dizzy, stressed, or tired. You may have headaches, blurry vision, sweating, or a racing heartbeat.You can even have hypoglycemia while you are asleep. You may have nightmares. Or you may wake up sweaty or confused.If you think you may have hypoglycemia, test your blood sugar level right away. If it’s low, take these steps pronto:1. Grab a quick source of sugar. This could be glucose tablets, sweetened fruit juice, soda, or some hard candies. Your doctor will tell you what kinds of sugar to have and how much.2. Wait 15 minutes. Then check your blood sugar level again.3. If your blood sugar level is still too low, repeat steps 1 and 2 until it’s back to normal.4. Then eat a meal or snack to keep your blood sugar in a healthy range.If you can’t treat hypoglycemia on your own, tell a parent or another adult right away. You may have a severe case of low blood sugar. You could pass out or have a seizure.When your blood sugar is very low, you will likely need glucagon. This hormone quickly raises blood sugar levels. It comes in a shot or a nasal spray. Your parent or another adult can give it to you if you aren’t able to do so yourself.Your doctor may tell you to have a glucagon kit with you at home and school.How to prevent hypoglycemiaThe best way to prevent hypoglycemia is to check your blood sugar level often. Doing so can help you learn what things raise and lower your blood sugar. It will also help you know when you have hypoglycemia, in case you’re having trouble noticing the warning signs.Your doctor will tell you when and how often to check your blood sugar. He or she may tell you to check it:Before and after meals; Before bedtime; and Before, during, and after physical activityBeing active, like playing sports, helps keep you healthy. But doing too much can lower your blood sugar level. So you may need to eat a snack before and after physical activity. You can also help prevent low blood sugar by eating regular meals and snacks.If your blood sugar level is often low, talk with your doctor. Together, you can make changes in how you manage your diabetes.What we have learnedHypoglycemia is when your blood sugar level drops too low. True or false? The answer is "true." For many people with diabetes, that means your blood sugar level is below 70 milligrams per deciliter.A quick source of sugar can raise your blood sugar level. True or false? The answer is "true." Your doctor will tell you what kinds of sugar to have and how much.Checking your blood sugar level once a day can help prevent hypoglycemia. True or false? The answer is "false." You should check your blood sugar often, such as before and after meals, and before bedtime.
Author: Semko, Laura
Date Last Reviewed: 04/30/2020
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