A low blood sugar is less than 70. Low blood sugar can happen if you are taking insulin for your diabetes. It is important to know what can cause low blood sugar and what to do if it is low.
Causes of low blood sugar are:
Taking too much insulin
Not eating enough carbs after taking insulin
Getting more activity than normal
Signs of low blood sugar are:
Sweating
Shaking
Very hungry
Weakness
Tired or drowsy
Headache
Irritable or grouchy
Confused
Seizure
Fainting or passing out
Stop what you are doing, and check your blood sugar right away if you feel any of these signs.
What should I do if my blood sugar is low?
If your blood sugar is less than 70:
Take 10 to 15 grams of quick-acting carbs right away. You can:
Drink 3 to 4 ounces of juice
Drink 3 to 4 ounces of soda pop that has sugar (not sugar-free)
Take 3 to 4 glucose tabs
Wait at least 15 to 30 minutes and re-check your blood sugar if you still have signs of a low blood sugar.
If your blood sugar is still less than 70, take another 10 to 15 grams of quick- acting carbohydrate.
Do not take more than 15 grams of carbs for a low blood sugar. Too many carbs can make the blood sugar go too high.
Do not eat carbs for a low blood sugar. Food does not work fast enough to bring the blood sugar up right away.
The contents of this website are for information purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not rely on the information provided for medical decision making and should direct all questions regarding medical matters to their physician or other health care provider. Use of this information does not create an express or implied physician-patient relationship.