What to do when your blood sugar is low?

Low blood sugar, medically known as hypoglycemia, is a common condition among people with diabetes. It occurs when the level of glucose in your blood drops below what your body requires to function properly. This article will provide you with some tips on how to manage and prevent low blood sugar levels.

Recognize The Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms is the first step towards managing low blood sugar levels. Some common signs include dizziness, blurry vision, confusion, sweating excessively, shakiness or even unconsciousness.

Fun fact: Did you know that horses can detect hypoglycemic attacks? They have such an acute sense of smell that they can tell if their rider’s scent changes due to uncontrolled low blood sugar levels!

Check Your Blood Sugar Levels Often

Sometimes it can be hard to recognize when your blood sugar is getting too low before any noticeable symptoms appear. Therefore it’s crucial to check your glucose levels often, by using a glucometer test strips or continuous glucose monitor.

Tip: Carry extra testing supplies just in case you need them unexpectedly.

Consume Easy-To-Digest Carbs

One way to quickly raise your moods after experiencing low-blood-sugar symptoms is consuming easy-to-digest carbohydrates like soda or juice (preferably made with real fruit not fake sugars). Additionally:

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Include protein in your meal/snack afterward
  • Avoid high-fat foods as they tend to slow down nutrient absorption
  • Avoid over-treating; once enough carbs are consumed then stop lest this causes one’s readings go skyrocketing!

Here are other choices:
| Food | Quantity |
| —- | ——– |
| Fruit Juice | 1/2 cup |
| Regular Soda | 1 cup|
| Sports drink (full sugared) | 8 oz|

Note: Aim for at least 15-20 grams of carbs to prevent further decline.

Get Plenty Of Rest

Sometimes hypoglycemia is related to lack of quality sleep, which can affect your body’s hormones and lead to lower blood sugar levels. If you have been having trouble sleeping lately, here are some tips that might help:

  • Avoid caffeine intake three hours before bedtime.
  • Create a relaxing pre-sleep routine (such as reading a book or meditating)
  • Keep the room dark and quiet
  • Use comfortable bedding

Turn Off The Computer/Devices !

Being glued to screens for long periods without breaks can lead to repetitive strains injuries (RSI) “text neck” among others… Changes in posture while doing this over time may also contributeto low blood sugar symptoms! So take a minute every hour off from work-mode.

Tip: Set reminders on your phone/laptop so you don’t forget!

Maintain A Consistent Meal Schedule

Eating at irregular intervals is one of the most common triggers for low blood sugar levels. It’s important always to maintain consistent eating patterns, preferably broken down into smaller meals throughout the day.

Additionally,

  • Try not skipping breakfast.
  • Feed enough; under consuming calories makes it difficult for glucose stores replenishment
  • Avoid processed/junk foods since these tend either spikes or crashes your readings
healthy snack options:
Snack Carbs
Apple with peanut butter 25g
Greek yogurt 12 g
Oatmeal (fruit & honey) used rolled oats instead of quick-cooking oats grains 27 g

Remember whenever choosing carbohydrates always opt for whole-grain varieties vs high-refinement ones.

Exercise Regularly

Physical activity helps regulate glucose levels by burning stored sugars within muscles and facilitating optimal insulin utilization too! However, frequent exercise could be detrimental if done in excess leading to decreased insulin sensitivity. Remember, always speak to your diabetes care provider if starting something new.

Tip: Keep primary carbs nearby whilst exercising in case hypoglycemia occurs!


Seek Medical Help If Symptoms Persist

Low blood sugar can cause seizures or coma; that’s why immediately seeking medical attention is critical should you experience persistent ones despite attempts to remedy them.

However DO NOT INVOKE HYPOCHONDRIAC SYNDROME by thinking any minor food-dizziness spells are a symptom of low glucose levels.

Weave In Self-Help Groups/Support Systems

Managed life with type 2 diabetes requires making lifestyle changes and relearning habits often which can be challenging. However remember you’re never alone! Whether online or in-person joining self-help groups like TypeOneNation.org allows the exchange of coping strategies with people who understand what one goes through.

…So next time your glucose begins dipping, take heart knowing you’ve got control over it – just as long as reminder apps are synced, stable sleep rhythms maintained esp after wound-up/hyperactive events/poor nourishments patterns ^(yes, we’re talking about binge-eating) avoided too – thus keeping you healthy & happy!

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