Hypoglycemia: Low Blood Sugar

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The below provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. Any treatment protocol should be discussed with a qualified healthcare practitioner ... Please refer to: Medical & Legal Disclaimer.

The Guide for the Newly Diagnosed Diabetes Patient

Hypoglycemia, the medical term for low blood sugar, is a common complication among diabetes patients

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) Hypoglycemia is characterized by low glucose levels (less than 40 mg/dL (2.2 mmol/L). Hypoglycemia is a serious condition and may require medical intervention.

The American Diabetes Association offers this list of warning signs and treatments for hypoglycemia:

Symptoms may include dizziness, palpitations, shakiness / trembling, sweating, headache, hunger, pale skin, sudden mood change, anxiety, hallucinations, blurred vision, tingling around the mouth, and confusion. If left untreated it can lead to coma and death.

Treat hypoglycemia as soon as you notice symptoms. The condition can quickly become an emergency without treatment, if blood sugar drops dangerously low.

Eat some sort of sugar, such as a few pieces of hard candy, 1/2 cup of fruit juice, or glucose tablets.

Have a glucagon (a medication that quickly raises blood sugar) syringe on hand. In the event that you pass out, make sure friends and family know how to immediately use the shot. This is a medical emergency, and in addition to getting the shot, you should receive emergency

Screening is especially important for people at high risk of developing diabetes, such as those with a family history of diabetes, those who are overweight, and those who are more than 40 to 45 years old.

Blood Glucose Levels (Fasting) - Analysis

Low glucose levels (low blood sugar)
- Less than 40 mg/dL (2.2 mmol/L)

Normal glucose tolerance:
- From 70 to 99 mg/dL (3.9 to 5.5 mmol/L)

Impaired fasting glucose (pre-diabetes)
- From 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L)

Diabetes
- 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) and above on more than one testing occasion

Nutritional Support:

Dietary changes such as eating frequent small meals and several snacks a day and choosing complex carbohydrates over simple sugars may be enough to ease symptoms.

Bananas: The vitamin B6 in Bananas regulates blood glucose levels. (The high potassium content in bananas helps with high blood pressure.)

Barley helps stabilize glucose levels and is great for use by diabetics. Please note that barley contains gluten and must be avoided if you are a celiac patient or allergic to barley.

Cod liver oil has been used in a number of trials with both insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetes. In both conditions cod liver oil improved glucose response and other markers of the disease. Vitamin A in cod liver oil helps promote healing and protects the retina, both problem areas in the diabetic patient.

Ginseng: A review of the research on supplements for managing blood glucose in people with prediabetes or diabetes (Ref.: Diabetes Care, April 2003) found the strongest evidence for American ginseng. Research to date suggest that this herb may help lower blood glucose levels after meals and reduce average glucose levels over a three-month period. But larger, longer-controlled studies are still needed.

Flax Seeds: Flaxseed contains a high percentage of soluble fiber, a component of plant cell walls that slows the absorption of glucose from food in the stomach, reduces the glycemic index and keeps blood sugar on an even keel. Other excellent sources of soluble fiber are beans (kidney, lima, black, navy, pinto), legumes (peas, lentils), oatmeal and vegetables. A good way to eat flaxseed is to mix a handful ground flaxseeds in with your yoghurt or beverage.

Information contained on this website is provided as general reference only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought.

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