Hypoglycemia

The body responds to low blood sugar with warning signs that may be different in each person. Some warning signs of low blood sugar are feeling:

• Weak
• Shaky
• Irritable or confused.

Low blood sugar may occur if your meal or snack is delayed or missed, after vigorous physical activity, or if too much insulin is given. In a person without diabetes, the pancreas will stop producing insulin if the blood sugar level falls below normal. In a person with diabetes, the insulin they inject keeps working, even when the blood sugar level is low.

Low blood sugar may be caused by the following:

• Not following your meal plan
• Too much exercise or exercising for a long time without eating a snack
• Too much medication or a change in the time you take your medication
• Stress
• Side effects from other medications
• Alcohol intake, especially without food

Regular testing may help you avoid hypoglycemia. It is important to check your blood sugar often. If untreated, hypoglycemia can cause serious effects, such as seizures or fainting.

Someone who is having seizures or who has passed out will need help from others. People at this severe stage will need an immediate glucagon injection. A healthcare professional must prescribe glucagon and show you and your loved ones how to prepare and inject glucagon