Hypoglycemia
(Low Blood Sugar)
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is caused by not eating enough food,
taking too much insulin or diabetes medication, or exercising more than
usual. Hypoglycemia can occur suddenly and may progress to insulin shock
if it isn't corrected.
Normal blood sugar level ranges from 70 to 115 mg/dL. When a person is
hypoglycemic, their blood sugar level is less than 70 mg/dL.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
- Shaking
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
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- Hunger
- Impaired vision
- Weakness, fatigue
- Headache
- Irritability
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If you experience symptoms above,
- Drink a cup of orange juice or milk, or eat several hard candies
- Test your blood sugar, and if symptoms don't subside, call your
doctor
- Within 30 minutes after symptoms subside, eat a light snack (i.e.,
half a peanut butter or meat sandwich and half a glass of milk.)
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