What to do if blood glucose is low?

So, you’ve been feeling a bit off lately. Your head’s been in the clouds, and you can’t quite put your finger on why. You go to check your blood glucose levels only to find out that they’re low! Don’t panic; I repeat DON’T PANIC. It happens to the best of us.

Before we dive into what you should do when your blood glucose is low, let’s start by explaining what it means:

What does having low blood glucose mean?

Having hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose, means that the amount of sugar (glucose) present in your bloodstream has dropped below normal levels- between 70mg/dL and 110 mg/dL fasting (at rest for at least eight hours).

This can be due to several factors such as medications like insulin or bad habits like skipping meals.

Now that we know what hypoglycemia is all about let’s look into how it affects our body:

The Effects of Low Blood Glucose

Low blood glucose can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from mild ones such as dizziness and confusion while also risking severe outcomes such as seizures or coma in extreme cases.

Some commonly experienced effects are:
Shakiness
Dizziness
Sweating
Irritability
Hunger pains
Anger/Rage – this one isn’t scientifically proven however we all have known those people…

Once again don’t worry yourself silly because here are some steps you can take when experiencing these symptoms:

Recognize Symptoms and Check BG level – First Things First.. Always!

If left untreated, hypoglycemia could lead to serious side effects including: fainting spells (or worse), blurry three-eyed vision (nah just kidding! 😉), or even the infamous word slurs. (Take it from me, you don’t want to be the person who tries convincing their boss they’re not drunk).

Have a snack

No need for your pantry supplies turning empty just yet! Simple snacks like an apple with peanut butter, raisins and nuts (but wait – portion control when snacking is key!), cheese and crackers among others depending on preference). Trust me on this one: A PB&J sandwich can literally save your life.

However, if your symptoms are severe and make eating difficult then consider taking fast-acting carbohydrate sources such as:
Fruit Juice
Glucose tablets or gels

These types of sugary treats are absorbed quickly into our bloodstream providing rapid relief. Plus any opportunity for sugar is always welcome… right?? :yum:

Wait + Recheck BG levels

Once you’ve had something in your belly hang tight for at least 15 minutes before checking blood glucose levels again. The key here actually lies within patience rather than elbow grease.

Identifying What Caused Low Blood Glucose Levels

After ensuring that blood glucose levels have returned to normal ask yourself what lead up to those low levels? Did you skip breakfast, take too much insulin or participate in high-intensity workouts without adjusting food intake?. Knowing what caused hypoglycemia will aid prevention measures going forward.

Here are some strategies which might help prevent future episodes:

Regular monitoring of Blood Glucose Levels

Simple small lifestyle changes can turn out significant in long run preventing further incidents from happening by regular monitoring BG level several times daily using continuous glucose monitors (CGM) – making sure readings are between target range values determined by healthcare provider.

Additionally monitor general well-being anytime during exercise routines engaging frequent pauses necessitated by feedings.

Genetics play another huge factor thus carrying out regular physical exercises is quintessential in keeping one general health up.

Being Prepared – Always!

You’ll never go wrong if you have a plan. Create and maintain a plan of action for what to do when low blood glucose levels occur/equip loved ones with necessary information regarding hypoglycemia as well. Also, insulin-dependent individuals can wear bracelets or necklaces that display medical condition furthermore contact details

Examples of Plans

Have an emergency kit just in case which can be filled with something sweet such as candy or glucose gel
Painting your bedroom walls yellow/orange if it’s darker shades the morning light could solidify plans immediately!

Bottom Line:
If you experience these symptoms, make sure to assess quickly while remaining calm! Have a Plan B prepared once medications are taken into consideration and always shine bright like Diamond !

Stay healthy folks 💪🏼

P.S : Diamonds lasts forever so.. uhm… exercise regularly 😉

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