Another important thing to be aware of – whether or not you have diabetes – is hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose, can be an emergency situation. Those of us with diabetes work hard each day to avoid emergencies, but sometimes they happen anyway. And we appreciate the rest of the world knowing what to do!
I once came upon a man in a mall who was slumped over. Intuition immediately told me he was low. When I approached him a security guard told me he was low but not to worry, they had already given him water. I pulled glucose tablets from my purse and gave them to the man (who was conscious and able to eat). Conveniently there was a pharmacy about ten feet away, so someone went in to get juice.
Water does not raise blood glucose. When someone’s blood glucose level is low, they need glucose – or sugar, or carbohydrate – immediately. Juice (such as orange juice) is a wonderful source of carbohydrate that works very quickly to raise the blood glucose level. Glucose tablets also work well. People use all sorts of different “low treatment” for hypoglycemia. The rule of thumb is 15 gm carbohydrate to raise blood glucose approximately 50 mg/dL, then wait 15 minutes and re-check blood glucose to make sure it’s coming up. If not, treat (eat) again.
Some people don’t feel when they are low. Symptoms of hypoglycemia can vary between people and can even change over time. Ask your loved one with diabetes how they feel when they are low (symptoms) and notice what you see when they are low (signs). They may need your help detecting lows. Worse case, people can pass out or have a seizure when they are low. They can also be unresponsive. In any of these situations – called severe hypoglycemia – it’s dangerous to put anything in their mouth because of the risk of choking. Many people keep glucagon, a treatment for severe low, in the house; otherwise it would be necessary to call for emergency help.
For the safety of those with diabetes, please be aware of the signs, symptoms, and treatments for low blood glucose (hypoglycemia). Here is a resource for hypoglycemia awareness.
