ALABAMA READY - COVID English Calendar Directory Store Tell me about... Search TOPICS ABOUT US COUNTIES NEWS Extension TV Health HomeHome & FamilyHealth Hypoglycemia November 23, 2021 Posted by: Sheree Taylor in Health PDF Download (Opens in a new window) 2 min read Hypoglycemia is when the body has a low level of blood glucose (blood sugar) of 70mg/dl or less. Glucose is the main way your body gets energy. This condition is common in people with diabetes, but can happen to a non-diabetic. One or more of these symptoms may indicate low blood sugar. Hungry Irritable Incoherent, spacey Mood changes Inattentive, drowsy, headache Glassy eyes, dilated pupils Sweaty, shaky, clammy, pale Fast or irregular heartbeats What to do if you have low blood sugar: 1. Eat 15 grams of glucose, such as 4 oz or 1⁄2 cup of 100% juice, 1 bite-sized candy bar, 1⁄2 cup of a non-diet soda, glucose tablets in 15 gm increments, a small apple or orange, or half a banana. 2. Wait 15 minutes and repeat blood sugar check. 3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until blood sugar is within the range of 70 to 100mg/dl. Tips to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can be as simple as changes to your diet and eating schedule. Eat a balanced diet that is low in sugar and high in protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. It’s okay to eat good complex carbohydrates, such as a small sweet potato, a medium apple, 1 cup of blueberries, or whole grain oatmeal. Avoid eating processed, refined carbohydrates such as white bread, cookies, chips, pastries, pizza, many breakfast cereals, and pasta. Eat small meals every two hours to help keep your blood sugar levels stable. Test your blood sugar as directed by your doctor. Check your sugars before and after exercise, and discuss with your doctor what types of changes you can make. If there’s a severe reaction, a seizure, or unconscious state, call 911. Do not give insulin. Be sure family members or close friends are aware of what to do in the event of an emergency. Wearing a medical bracelet can provide critical information about a person’s health status Sheree Taylor, Human Sciences Regional Extension Agent, Human Nutrition, Diet, and Health New September 2021, Hypoglycemia, FCS-2552 Facebook Twitter Print More Download this article as a PDF Hypoglycemia, FCS-2552 (Opens in a new window) FCS-2552 health and nutrition Hypoglycemia Did you find this helpful? It was helpful. It wasn't helpful. Related Articles Diabetes and You Nov 23, 2021 What is Diabetes? Nov 23, 2021 Trust the Science! COVID-19 Vaccination Brochures Nov 01, 2021 Didn't find what you were looking for? Contact Extension Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow is on instagram Find ACES on Flickr Feedback Intranet Jobs Legal Copyright © 2021 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System All Rights Reserved. Dashboard