Hypoglycemia Symptoms: The Telltale Signs and What to Do

Recognize The Signs of Hypoglycemia and Take Action.

Even when you do your best to manage your blood glucose, you might experience lows. These lows can be dangerous if you don’t act quickly. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar (blood glucose lower than 4.0 mmol/L)¹ is a deficiency of glucose in your blood. The reference table below can help you quickly recognize the signs of hypoglycemia and know what to do. You may want to print it off and keep it handy as a reference. If your blood glucose levels are repeatedly low, speak with your healthcare team. Your diabetes management plan may need to be adjusted

 

Recognize and treat symptoms of hypoglycemia

 

Signs to look out for	What to do
Feeling shaky or light-headed Nausea Feeling nervous, irritable or anxious Feeling confused or unable to concentrate Hunger Increased heart rate Sweating Headache Feeling weak or drowsy Numbness or tingling in your tongue or lips	STEP 1: Treat it right away
	Mild and moderate lows (blood glucose 3.0 to 4.0 mmol/L): Take 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrate, like2: 15 g of glucose tabs ½ cup (4 ounces) non-diet pop or juice 1 tbsp of sugar or honey 6 LifeSavers®	Severe lows: If your blood glucose is less than 3.0 mmol/L or you feel confused or disoriented with a blood glucose less than 4.0 mmol/l, somebody may need to help you. If you’re alert and able to swallow, they should give you 20g of fast-acting carbohydrate, like2: 20 g of glucose tabs 1-2 tbsp of sugar or honey 3/4 cup (6 ounces) non-diet pop or juice If you’re unconscious, someone needs to administer glucagon and call 911.
	STEP 2: Wait 15 minutes and re-test. If glucose is still low, repeat treatment.
	After treating, wait 15 minutes and then test your blood glucose. If it’s still below 4.0 mmol/L, take an additional 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrate. After your blood glucose is above 4.0 mmol/L, if your next meal or snack is more than 1 hour away, have a snack of carbs and proteins (e.g., crackers and cheese or bread and peanut butter) to help prevent your blood sugar from dropping low again.

Be prepared in case you experience low blood sugar. Have fast-acting carbohydrates available in case of an emergency.

Because you may need help from those around you, it may be helpful to:

• Wear a MedicAlert^® bracelet to notify people of your condition
• Alert those close to you (friends, family, coaches) on symptoms to watch out for and what to do
• Be sure to share this list and information with your friends and family so they are informed and can help
• Have snacks and glucose tabs handy at all times especially when you’re away from home
• Carry a glucagon emergency kit with you and let people close to you know where you keep it

 

References:

 

¹ Diabetes Canada. (n.d.). Lows and highs of blood sugar. Retrieved March 9, 2021, from https://www.diabetes.ca/managing-my-diabetes/tools---resources/lows-and-highs-of-blood-sugar.

² J. Yale, B. Paty et al. Diabetes Canada 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Hypoglycemia. Can J Diabetes 2018;42(Suppl 1):S104-S108.