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Why Hypoglycemia Is Way Worse Than Being “Hangry"
Read these 11 tips for how to spot symptoms now and a hypoglycemic patient will thank you later. Learn more here!
Hanger is when someone misses lunch and becomes so grumpy that their partner (and even the cat) must hide...
1. ...but hypoglycemia is different! It happens when your blood sugar levels drop dangerously low. People with and without diabetes can suffer from it.
Typically, it's when glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dl, though this may be different for everyone depending on their treatment!
2. There are lots of causes for hypoglycemia, like a diabetes diagnosis, certain diabetes meds, drinking too much alcohol, age, and working out too much without enough nutrition.
3. 1 in 5 people with diabetes are terrified that they might pass out in public.
4. So what can you do to help? Take the time to learn the signs and be prepared to take action during a hypoglycemic episode.
5. The main things to look for are nausea and dizziness, a fast heartbeat, sweating and/or chills, and unusual irritability or moodiness.
Learn about more serious symptoms and how to act here.
6. So what's next? Give the patient a sugary drink or some candy and follow the "Rule Of 15".
The “Rule of 15” advises patients to eat 15 grams of carbs or simple sugars, and then recheck their blood sugar levels after 15 minutes. If their levels are still low, they should eat another 15 grams of carbohydrates and recheck again after another 15 minutes. This rule should be continued until blood sugar is at target level.
7. Another safe tactic? Be prepared!
8. ...Check blood sugar levels regularly, but especially before and after meals, before and after exercise, and before bed...
9. ...teach your circle of support (family, friends, co-workers) what to do…
10. ...and have an emergency hypoglycemia rescue kit on hand.
11. Simple prep goes a long way – so you can take an active role during a hypoglycemic episode.
So let's all spread some knowledge and keep our loved ones safe!
Get the full Lowdown on Low Blood Sugar at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology!
Images via Getty unless otherwise specified.