Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a dangerous condition that can affect people with diabetes. This is especially true for those taking insulin or other medications to lower glucose levels. It is important to take immediate action when someone with diabetes has hypoglycemia. This will prevent the condition from getting worse. Insulin can treat low blood sugar, but this is a common misconception.
Insulin actually lowers levels of blood sugar, so using it to treat hypoglycemia can make things worse. This article will explain why insulin isn’t the best treatment for hypoglycemia, how to handle a hypoglycemic event, and how to help someone with low blood glucose.
Understanding Hypoglycemia
When blood sugar levels fall too low (usually below 70 mg/dL), hypoglycemia is the result. This can occur for many reasons such as too much insulin or alcohol consumption without enough food. Low blood sugar symptoms can be mild or severe.
- Shakiness
- Sweating
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Confused or having difficulty concentrating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Anxiety or irritability
- Weakness and fatigue
- Blurred Vision
Untreated hypoglycemia can cause more severe symptoms such as seizures, loss consciousness or death in extreme cases. It’s important to treat hypoglycemia as soon as possible after recognizing the symptoms.
Why Insulin should not be used to treat low blood sugar
Insulin helps to regulate blood sugar by allowing glucose into the cells. Insulin helps to lower blood sugar levels by reducing glucose levels in the bloodstream. Using insulin to treat low blood sugar will only cause the glucose level to drop further, resulting in more severe hypoglycemia.
insulin is not recommended for treating hypoglycemia. Insulin could worsen the condition if someone already has low blood sugar. This can have more serious consequences. The goal should instead be to increase their blood sugar level as quickly as you can.
Correct Treatment for Low Sugar
If someone has a hypoglycemic attack, they should be treated with a source of fast-acting glucose and not insulin. It is common to use the “15-15 rule” to guide treatment for mild to moderate hypoglycemia. This is how it works:
- Give 15 grams fast-acting carbohydrate. This can be any of the options below:
- The tablets are usually 4 tablets per 15 grams of carbohydrates.
- Fruit juice or regular soda (non-diet), 4 ounces (about half a cup).
- Sugar, honey or corn syrup, 1 tablespoon
- Hard candies and jellybeans containing sugar
- Wait 15 Minutes: After eating carbohydrates, allow 15 minutes to pass before consuming glucose. This will raise your blood sugar level.
- Check blood sugar levels After 15 minutes, recheck the blood sugar level. If the blood sugar level is still lower than 70 mg/dL after 15 minutes, repeat this process and consume another 15 grams of carbohydrates that act quickly.
- Have a small snack. Once your blood sugar has returned to normal levels, you should have a small meal that is high in carbohydrates and protein to stabilize blood sugar. A piece of fruit and peanut butter, or a few crackers with some cheese can help.
What to do in an Emergency Hypoglycemic Situation
Hypoglycemia may become so severe that the person loses consciousness or is unable to eat carbohydrates. You cannot give insulin or food to the patient orally in such cases, as this could cause choking and worsen the condition.
The correct way to treat hypoglycemia is by administering glucagon. This hormone works quickly to raise blood sugar levels. Glucagon can be administered as an injection or nasal spray. It should form part of any emergency kit for diabetics who are at high risk of hypoglycemia.
Take the following steps if someone is unconscious and unable to eat or drink.
- Administering glucagon If you have a glucagon kit in your emergency kit, then follow the instructions on how to administer glucagon by injection or nasal spray. This will raise their blood glucose levels quickly.
- Call emergency services After administering glucagon it is important to call 911 for further medical assistance, especially if you do not see the patient regain consciousness immediately.
- Place the person in a safe position. If they are unconscious, turn them to the side so that they do not choke if the vomit. Don’t try to feed them, give them water, or administer insulin.
- Monitor until assistance arrives: Continue to monitor the patient’s condition until emergency medical personnel arrive.
Preventing Hypoglycemia
It’s equally important to prevent hypoglycemia. Here are some tips for reducing the risk of hypoglycemia in people with diabetes.
- Regularly monitor blood sugar: Frequent checks of blood sugar can allow you to catch low blood glucose early and receive treatment.
- Follow your doctor’s orders and take insulin and medications as prescribed Avoid taking more insulin that is necessary and listen to the instructions of your healthcare provider.
- Eat regular snacks and meals: Skipping a meal can cause low blood sugar. It is important to consume balanced, consistent meals throughout the day.
- Adjust insulin dosage for physical activity Exercise can lower blood glucose levels. Be sure to adjust insulin doses and consume extra carbohydrates before or after physical activity if necessary.
- Limit alcohol consumption Alcohol can cause blood glucose levels to fall, so consume it moderately and with food.
Insulin should never be used for low blood sugar. Insulin lowers blood glucose levels, so if you use it to treat low blood sugar, this will only make the situation worse. Hypoglycemia is best treated by fast-acting carbs, according to the “15-15 rule,” or in more severe cases with glucagon.
It is important for people with diabetes to understand how to manage low blood glucose. It’s crucial to know how to react in case of hypoglycemic episodes, whether you have diabetes yourself or are looking after a friend. Prioritize safely raising your blood sugar levels and speak to a healthcare professional if you are concerned about managing diabetes.
This article was written by an expert at Buffalo Weight Loss. Buffalo Weight Loss, a weight loss clinic Clarence NY is an effective solution for those struggling with obesity. Semaglutide works by reducing appetite and food intake. This leads to weight loss.
The patient will be evaluated to determine the specific goals and needs for weight loss. BWL will receive a personalized treatment plan which includes Semaglutide in their weight loss program.
It mimics the effects of GLP-1 hormone, which regulates glucose metabolism and appetite. Semaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors to reduce hunger and help you feel full. This leads to a decrease in calorie intake.
