Insulin-Reaction Hypoglycemia

What is insulin-reaction hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia is the term used for when you have too little sugar in your blood. Other terms are insulin reaction or lows.

How does it occur?

People with diabetes can get hypoglycemia if they take too much insulin or other blood sugar medicine. If you have too much diabetes medicine in your blood, your blood sugar level will become too low. Some other causes of abnormally low blood sugar levels are:

• exercising more than usual
• skipping meals
• not eating at regular mealtimes
• eating only part of your meal
• diarrhea
• vomiting.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of low blood sugar range from mild to severe. Watch for the following symptoms that result from low blood sugar:

• mild symptoms
  • dizziness
  • irritability
  • hunger
  • clumsiness, shakiness
  • sweating
  • rapid heartbeat
• moderate symptoms
  • confusion
  • headache
  • poor coordination
• severe symptoms
  • seizures
  • unconsciousness
  • coma
  • death.

You must watch your blood sugar level closely. If you test your blood sugar regularly, you will be able to treat hypoglycemia before it causes serious symptoms.

Some high blood pressure medicines called beta blockers hide the symptoms of hypoglycemia. If you are taking medicine for high blood pressure, talk to your health care provider about this.

You should know the difference between the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). High blood sugar doesn't always cause symptoms, but when it does the symptoms may include blurry vision, extreme thirst, and a lot of urination.

How is it treated?

Always carry some form of sugar and drink or eat it as soon as you have any symptoms of hypoglycemia. If possible, check your blood sugar first. This will help your health care provider determine the best management of your sugar levels.

If you have mild or moderate hypoglycemia:

• The following amounts and types of foods will bring your blood sugar level up:
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/3 cup apple juice
  • 1/4 to 1/3 cup of raisins
  • 2 large or 6 small sugar cubes in water
  • 4 to 6 ounces of regular cola
  • 1/3 to 1/2 a tube (30 grams) of glucose in gel form (such as InstaGel or MonGel) or cake icing.
  • 1 tablespoon of molasses, corn syrup, or honey.
• If you still have symptoms after eating or drinking one of the foods listed above, you may need to eat or drink another portion.
• If you are about to eat a meal, eat the fruit or drink the juice first and then eat the rest of your meal.

If you have severe hypoglycemia that is causing seizures or unconsciousness, someone should call 911 because you need emergency treatment. Your blood sugar level will be checked and you will be given an injection of glucose or a hormone called glucagon. You may need to go to the hospital so your health care provider can watch your reaction to treatment, determine why you had severe hypoglycemia, and, if necessary, change your medicine dosages.

How long will the effects last?

The effects of low blood sugar will continue and may even get worse until treatment restores your blood sugar level to normal. It may take several minutes after you start treatment for the symptoms to go away. You will need to take special care the rest of your life to keep your blood sugar at the proper level.

How can I take care of myself?

• Keep your blood sugar in the normal range. Check your blood sugar level regularly and whenever you have any of the symptoms of hypoglycemia. Know when to check your blood sugar and when to call for help.
• Carry sugar or hard candy to eat if your blood sugar gets too low.
• Wear a medical ID bracelet or carry a card that says you are diabetic.
• If you are taking insulin, discuss with your health care provider whether you should carry the medicine glucagon with you at all times. A family member or friend can be taught how to inject it into your muscle if you become unconscious. The glucagon will raise your blood sugar enough for you to become conscious in a few minutes. Then, when you were awake enough, you can eat or drink something sweet, such as orange juice. If you do not respond to the glucagon in a few minutes, your family should call 911.

How can I prevent insulin-reaction hypoglycemia?

• Know what causes low blood sugar.
• Eat a full meal at regular mealtimes. Do not skip meals or eat partial meals.
• Check your blood sugar more often when you are exercising more, or eating less, or when you have been sick.