Patient was instructed on how to avoid hypoglycemia. Choose high fiber, low sugar bedtime snacks such as two graham crackers with 1/2 cup skim milk. Avoid eating excessive amounts of high sugar foods, which will make the blood sugar spike then plummets. When the blood sugar falls after a sugar high it tends to drop dramatically low.
Patient and caregiver instructed that low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen to everyone who has diabetes. Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, pale skin, irritability, dizziness, feeling shaky, or trouble concentrating. Always keep a source of sugar with you in case you have low blood sugar. Sugar sources include fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, and non-diet soda. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.
Patient was instructed on hypoglycemia. Normally, blood glucose levels increase slightly after you eat a meal. When blood sugar rises, cells in the pancreas release insulin, causing the body to absorb glucose from the blood and lowering the blood sugar level to normal.
Patient was instructed on hypoglycemia. When blood sugar drops too low, the level of insulin declines and other cells in the pancreas release glucagon, which causes the liver to turn stored glycogen back into glucose and release it into the blood. This brings blood sugar levels back up to normal.
Patient was instructed on hypoglycemia. Insulin, glucagon and other hormone levels rise and fall to keep blood sugar in a normal range. Too little or too much of these hormones can cause blood sugar levels to fall too low (hypoglycemia) or rise too high (hyperglycemia).
People with long-standing diabetes develop a condition known as hypoglycemia unawareness or hypoglycemia without warning, in which they no longer develop the usual symptoms that herald the onset of hypoglycemia. This condition can be reversed by maintaining higher blood sugar levels for a short period of time (about two weeks) and scrupulously avoiding low blood sugar.
Patient was instructed on hypoglycemia. The body uses hormones to keep the blood sugar in a normal range. But a long-term health problem that needs treatment can cause blood sugar to drop too low. It could be caused by: Medicines, Drinking too much alcohol, Diseases that affect the pancreas, liver, kidneys, adrenal glands, or other organs, Metabolism problems that run in families.
Patient was instructed on how to avoid hypoglycemia. Avoid fasting, eating irregular meals and chronic binge drinking to maintain a more constant blood sugar level. To limit the risk of developing hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, eat a diet that provides a slow and regular release of sugar.
Patient was instructed on how to avoid hypoglycemia. The body can tolerate low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, for short periods of time. But since every cell in the body is fueled by sugar, chronic hypoglycemia will cause the health to deteriorate.
Patient was instructed on hypoglycemia. if you have symptoms of low blood sugar, you need to eat or drink something with sugar in it. For example, you could eat raisins, graham crackers, or candy. You could also drink skim milk, regular (not diet) soda, or fruit juice. You may also take glucose tablets.