Symptoms of Diabetes – Treating Hypoglycemia

The symptoms of diabetes are the result of high glucose levels in your blood. In hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) the exact opposite is true. Hypoglycemia is more common with type 1 diabetes, and can be caused by certain diabetes medication, your diet and physical activity.
Symptoms
Certain symptoms of diabetes and the very serious condition, diabetic ketoacidosis, are similar to some of those found in hypoglycemia, so it could be difficult to tell them apart. These include:
  • Hunger
  • Blurry or double vision
  • Drowsiness
  • Rapid heartbeat
However, diabetic hypoglycemia also displays specific warning signs that you need to act upon.
  • Dizziness or feeling faint
  • Shakiness
  • Anxiety or nervousness
  • Sweating
  • Moodiness or changes in behavior
  • Headache
There are some other symptoms which can happen during the night.
  • Wet clothing or bedding due to perspiration
  • Nightmares
  • Waking up confused or irritable
If the early indicators of hypoglycemia are not treated they can lead to other, more serious symptoms including:
  • Speech difficulties
  • Clumsiness or displaying jerky movements
  • Confusion
  • Seizures or convulsions
  • Unconsciousness
As is the case with the symptoms of diabetes, the signs of hypoglycemia vary by person. Not everyone will have the same symptoms and they also may not have the same ones each time. This is another reason why regular blood glucose monitoring is important, it allows you to keep track of the way you feel when experiencing low sugar levels.
Treatment
The fastest way to treat hypoglycemia is by raising your blood glucose level. Many individuals with diabetes carry around glucose tablets for this very reason, and they are found in any drugstore.
One of the following items should be taken right away to raise your glucose level if you start experiencing symptoms:
  • 4 oz. of fruit juice
  • 4 oz. of soda (non-diet)
  • 3 glucose tablets
  • 8 oz. milk
  • 1 tablespoon of honey or sugar
  • 5 to 6 pieces of a hard candy (lifesavers, for example)
If you are suffering some of the more severe symptoms of hypoglycemia, you may be confused, have a seizure or become unconscious. In this case you will be unable to treat yourself so it’s important to let your friends, family and the people you work with know what they should do.
If you can’t swallow of if you become unconscious:
  • No one should inject insulin, this will further lower blood sugar
  • No one should give you food or any fluids as you may choke
  • Someone needs to give you a glucagon injection.
  • If glucagon isn’t available you need to get to a hospital for emergency treatment
Glucagon is a prescription drug which comes in a kit with a syringe. It has to be mixed before injecting and provides only one dose. Within 15 minutes you will be more alert and able to swallow. You should then eat something. If you haven’t responded to the glucagon inside of 15 minutes, then you will need medical assistance and they should be summoned immediately.
If you have hypoglycemia several times during the week you need to see your doctor. He may have to change the medication, the dosage or make some other adjustments to your treatment.
You need to take your symptoms of diabetes and hypoglycemia seriously by making sure you frequently monitor your blood sugar levels. If not treated, hypoglycemia may bring about loss of consciousness, seizures and even death

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