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.

Changed
03/Nov/2017
Community
Diabetes
Condition
Diabetes

Stories

  • 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.…
  • 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…
  • External signs of disease
    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…
  • Ramadan Fasting Tips For People With Diabetes
    People with diabetes need to be very careful during Ramadan in order to maintain good glycemic control. Here are some tips for those who are fasting during this period.  During the fasting month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world are fasting during daylight hours, eating two meals a day – Sehri or Suhoor (at pre-dawn) and Iftar (at sunset).  For people with diabetes taking insulin or on some medication, the many hours without food and water puts them at risk of…
  • , , ,
    Yoga - Sarpasana or Snake Pose
    Meaning Sarpa means snake. Sarpasana mimics the posture of a snake. Benefits of Sarpasana 1. It strengthens the back and makes the spine supple. 2. The posture helps to stretch the abdominal cavity and the chest. 3. It stimulates and directly exercises internal organs such as the pancreas, intestines, liver and kidneys. Thus Sarpasana is believed to help manage diabetes. 4. It massages the pelvis and the reproductive organs, helps in menstrual and other gynaecological disorders. 5. It deepens…
  • Diabetic Complications - Nephropathy - Kidney
    The function of the kidney is to rid the body of toxins and to purify the blood. Diabetes can reduce the kidney’s ability to filter waste products, leading to build-up of waste products in the body. Anatomy of the kidney This is how the kidney works: The end functioning unit of the kidney is the glomerulus, which filters out ammonia, urea and other chemicals from the blood entering the kidneys. Blood vessels that enter the kidney are called afferent and those exiting are…
  • Focus on exercise and diet control
    Says Mumbai-based Pradeep , 59, who gave up sweets and took up yoga to keep his diabetes under control. Q. What kind of diabetes are you suffering from?  Type 2 diabetes Q. When were you diagnosed? 1994 Q. Early symptoms? I had pain in my legs and general lethargy. Q. Is there diabetes in the family? No Q. Did you start managing it immediately or was there another trigger point? I started managing immediately. Q. What is your present condition? Diabetes is fully under control. Q. What…
  • Wing of an aeroplane indicating Air Travel
    Diabetes and Travel - Carry A Doctor's Note
    Despite being insulin-dependent, Jayesh Shah (54) continues to globe-trot for work. All it needs is a little extra planning, he says. Here, he shares his top tips for travelling safely with diabetes.  • Carry the doctor’s prescription with you • Inform airport security that you are a diabetic • When travelling across time zones, adjust your medication and food intake as per the time zone that you are currently in • Do not skip any meals; over eating is better than fasting,…
  • , , , ,
    Yoga - Ardha Pavanamuktasana
    Meaning: Ardha is half.  Pavan is air/wind/gas. Asana is posture. This asana’s name reflects its benefits, that is, the release of unnecessary gases from the body, especially the stomach. Benefits 1. It strengthens the lower back and stretches the spinal cord. It is thus particularly good for treating back pain. 2. The posture helps to massage the abdomen and the digestive system thereby eliminating wind and preventing constipation. 3. It stimulates and directly exercises internal organs…
  • A gloved hand checking the foot for diabetic foot ulcers
    Diabetic Foot Ulcers : Prevention and Treatment
    Diabetic foot ulcers occur in approximately 15 percent of patients with diabetes, and is an open sore or wound that is located on the bottom of the foot. Infection of the wound and other ulcer-related complication can result in hospitalization. Learn to prevent and manage it.   What is diabetic foot ulcer? Diabetic patients are at a high risk of developing many foot problems. Even simple foot problems can become severe and cause complications. The root cause of…