Medication
How to lower your blood sugar quickly and what to do if it's an emergency
- To lower your blood sugar quickly, you should take more insulin.
- Exercise and hydration can also help lower blood sugar, but aren't always the safest or most effective options.
- If your blood sugar levels are too high, and you don't have insulin or it's an emergency, you should seek medical attention immediately.
- This article was reviewed by Jason R. ...
Therapy
If your blood sugar is less than 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl):
- Eat 15 to 30 grams of carbohydrate (sample foods listed below)
- Wait 15 minutes and then recheck your blood sugar
- If your blood sugar is still less than 100 mg/dl, take another 15 grams of carbohydrate and retest your blood sugar in another 15 minutes. Repeat if necessary.
Self-care
When you need to get your blood sugar back up quickly, try one of these items:
- A small apple, banana, or orange
- 15 grapes
- A few prunes
- 2 tablespoons of raisins
- half a bagel
- half a cup of granola
Nutrition
Treatment Plan for Lows
- First, eat one gram of quick carb for every 10 pounds of body weight, such as 15 grams for someone who weighs 150 lbs. ...
- If any IOB exists, eat 10 more grams for every unit of IOB to cover this residual insulin activity, OR add grams = IOB (units) x CarbF (grams/unit).
- If any extra activity has occurred, a few more carbs may be needed.
How to lower blood sugar instantly in an emergency?
What is the cure for low blood sugar?
What to eat when you have low blood sugar?
How to treat hypoglycemia quickly?
What should be given immediately to a diabetic who is suffering from low blood sugar?
Emergency treatment Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood sugar quickly. It can be lifesaving if someone isn't alert enough to eat or drink something to raise his or her blood sugar. Glucagon is available only by prescription.
What is the immediate treatment for hypoglycemia?
Immediate hypoglycemia treatment If you have hypoglycemia symptoms, do the following: Eat or drink 15 to 20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates. These are sugary foods or drinks without protein or fat that are easily converted to sugar in the body.
How do I raise my blood sugar in an emergency?
What foods can help raise blood sugar fast?a piece of fruit, like a banana, apple, or orange.2 tablespoons of raisins.15 grapes.1/2 cup apple, orange, pineapple, or grapefruit juice.1/2 cup regular soda (not sugar-free)1 cup fat-free milk.1 tablespoon honey or jelly.15 Skittles.More items...•
What should a diabetic do if their blood sugar drops dangerously low?
Seek medical help immediately if:You have what might be hypoglycemia symptoms and you don't have diabetes.You have diabetes and hypoglycemia isn't responding to treatment, such as drinking juice or regular (not diet) soft drinks, eating candy, or taking glucose tablets.
What low blood sugar is an emergency?
Low blood sugar is called hypoglycemia. A blood sugar level below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) is low and can harm you. A blood sugar level below 54 mg/dL (3.0 mmol/L) is a cause for immediate action.
Is hypoglycemia an emergency?
Hypoglycemia is a condition caused by low blood sugar levels. The most likely cause is taking too much insulin or another blood sugar lowering… Severe hypoglycemia is a medical emergency.
How is a diabetic emergency treated?
Emergency treatment for severe hyperglycemiaFluid replacement. You'll receive fluids — usually through a vein (intravenously) — until you're rehydrated. ... Electrolyte replacement. Electrolytes are minerals in your blood that are necessary for your tissues to function properly. ... Insulin therapy.
What are the three main diabetic emergencies?
Diabetes Emergencies: How You Can HelpHypoglycemia.Diabetic Ketoacidosis.Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome (HHS)Preeclampsia.
What are the signs of a diabetic emergency?
What are the signs and symptoms of a diabetic emergency?hunger.clammy skin.profuse sweating.drowsiness or confusion.weakness or feeling faint.sudden loss of responsiveness.
What causes blood sugar to drop suddenly?
Your blood sugar can drop quickly if you don't eat enough food or you skip meals. It can also happen if you take too much medicine (insulin or pills), exercise more than usual, or take certain medicines that lower blood sugar. Do not drink alcohol if you have problems noticing the early signs of low blood sugar.
What happens when your blood sugar drops to 30?
If blood glucose drops really low, the person is not able to function because physical and mental changes occur. They can have seizures or become unconscious. Hypoglycemia is the medical term used when the amount of glucose (sugar) in someone's blood is lower than 70 mg/dL, with symptoms and signs noted above.
How do I stop my blood sugar from dropping at night?
What are some tips to prevent nighttime blood sugar level dips?Check your level before bed. ... Don't skip dinner. ... Potentially adjust your exercise routine. ... Monitor your alcohol intake. ... Understand your risk factors.
What is the best treatment for severe hypoglycemia?
Treat severe hypoglycemia with glucagon. If you develop severe hypoglycemia, you may be too confused or disoriented to eat or drink. In some cases, you may develop seizures or lose consciousness. If this happens, it’s important for you to receive glucagon treatment.
How to treat hypoglycemia?
You can treat the early symptoms of hypoglycemia by eating fast-acting carbohydrates. Eat or drink about 15 grams of fast-acting carbs, such as: glucose tablets or glucose gel. 1/2 cup of fruit juice or non-diet soda. 1 tablespoon of honey or corn syrup. 1 tablespoon of sugar dissolved in water.
What to do if your blood sugar is 70?
You’ll need treatment if your blood sugar has dropped to 70 mg/dL or lower. If you don’t have a glucose meter or monitor available, call your doctor to receive treatment as soon as possible. Contact your doctor or go to the hospital right away if treatment doesn’t help and your symptoms aren’t improving.
What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?
blurred vision. tingling around your mouth. headache. clumsiness. slurred speech. Severe hypoglycemia may cause: seizures or convulsions. loss of consciousness. Use a glucose meter or continuous glucose monitor to check your blood sugar level if you think you’re experiencing hypoglycemia.
What happens if your blood sugar is too low?
If you live with type 1 diabetes, you’re likely aware that when your blood sugar level drops too low, it causes a condition known as hypoglycemia. This happens when your blood sugar falls to 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or less. If left untreated, hypoglycemia can cause seizures and loss of consciousness.
How to get blood sugar back to normal?
1 tablespoon of honey or corn syrup. 1 tablespoon of sugar dissolved in water. After about 15 minutes, check your blood sugar level again. If it’s still too low, eat or drink another 15 grams of fast-acting carbs. Repeat these steps until your blood sugar returns to the normal range.
How to know if you have type 1 diabetes?
Part of managing type 1 diabetes is learning to recognize your own signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. Early signs and symptoms may include: shakiness. sweating or chills. nervousness and anxiety. irritability or impatience. nightmares. confusion. pale skin.
What to do if your blood sugar is too low?
If your blood sugar is still too low, eat or drink something sugary again. Repeat this pattern until your blood sugar is above 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L). When you feel better, have a snack or a meal to keep your blood sugar from dropping again.
How to raise blood sugar quickly?
Then eat or drink something that's mostly sugar or carbohydrates to raise your blood sugar level quickly. Pure glucose — found in tablets, gels and other forms — is the preferred treatment. Foods with more fat, such as chocolate, don't ...
What is glucagon used for?
Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood sugar quickly. It can be lifesaving if someone isn't alert enough to eat or drink something to raise his or her blood sugar. Glucagon is available only by prescription. Glucagon comes in an emergency syringe kit or as a nasal treatment.
What happens if you have low blood sugar?
If you do, you may cause your blood sugar level to rise too high, which will make you feel thirsty and tired.
How long after giving glucagon can you eat?
When given to someone who is unconscious, the person should be turned on his or her side to prevent choking in case of vomiting. About 15 minutes after getting glucagon, the person should be alert and able to eat. If someone doesn't respond within 15 minutes, call emergency medical care.
Do you need insulin if you eat a snack?
If you normally take insulin with food, you generally don't need additional insulin if you're eating a snack after having a low blood sugar. If you're going to eat a meal, however, you may need a reduced dose of insulin to ensure that your blood sugar doesn't rise too quickly. If you have symptoms of low blood sugar but can't check your blood sugar ...
Do you have to fast for blood work?
Be aware of pre-appointment restrictions. Sometimes you need to fast for blood tests. When you make the appointment, ask if fasting is necessary. If it is, ask what changes you need to make to your diabetes management because you're not eating or drinking. Write down your symptoms and how often they occur.
Call 911 if
A person who has low blood sugar not related to diabetes loses consciousness.
2. Follow Up
If non-diabetic hypoglycemia is recurrent, see a health care provider. The health care provider will do tests to help determine the cause.
What is a diabetic emergency?
A diabetic emergency happens when symptoms relating to diabetes overwhelm the body. At this point, home treatment is unlikely to help, and delaying medical care could cause permanent damage or death. Some of the signs that can indicate a serious problem include: chest pain that radiates down the arm.
How to maintain blood sugar levels?
Eating healthful, balanced, regular meals: People who use insulin or other medications that lower blood glucose should ask their doctor about what foods to eat, how much, and when, in order to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Small, frequent meals are better than fewer larger meals.
Why does blood sugar drop when you have diabetes?
Hypoglycemia can occur for many reasons, but, in diabetes, it usually stems from the use of insulin or other medications that control blood sugar. Blood sugar levels may drop dangerously low when a person: takes more insulin than they need for their current food intake or exercise levels. consumes too much alcohol.
How many people died from diabetes in 2016?
However, the CDC state that diabetes, or complications related to it, is still the seventh most frequent form of death in the U.S., and it was responsible for nearly 25 deaths in every 100,000 in 2016. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), greater susceptibility to infections, ...
What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
In type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys the cells that produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes reduces the body’s ability to respond to insulin. Consequently, the body does not produce enough insulin to manage the glucose in the body.
What to do if you lose consciousness?
If they lose consciousness, any bystander should call 911 and ask for emergency medical help. If a person experience regular hypoglycemia despite following the treatment plan, or if changes in blood sugar level occur suddenly in response to a medication change, they should see a doctor.
What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?
The warning signs of hypoglycemia include: confusion, dizziness, and nausea. feeling hungry. feeling shaky, nervous, irritable or anxious. sweating, chills, and pale, clammy skin. rapid heartbeat. weakness and tiredness. tingling in the mouth area. headaches.
What to do when someone passes out from hypoglycemia?
When someone passes out from hypoglycemia, it's a medical emergency. Don't try to give them food or liquid -- they could choke. You, or someone who knows how, should give them a glucagon shot -- not insulin! -- to raise their blood sugar to a safer level. Then call 911.
What to do if you have diabetes while pregnant?
What you can do: Call their doctor, then get them to the emergency room or urgent care. Having diabetes of any type while you're pregnant -- type 1, type 2, or gestational -- raises the odds of preeclampsia, a serious condition related to high blood pressure that can put the mom's and baby's health in danger.
What is it called when you have too much insulin?
Hypoglycemia. This is what doctors call low blood sugar. It happens when someone has too much insulin compared with glucose in their blood. Sometimes hypoglycemia is called "insulin shock.". It's more common for people with type 1 diabetes, but people with type 2 diabetes who take insulin and other medicines to control blood sugar can get it, too. ...
How do you know if your blood sugar is low?
Most people with diabetes can tell when their blood sugar is low because of early warning signs like shakiness and hunger. They need to treat hypoglycemia as soon as possible to stop it from getting severe, which can lead to a seizure or a diabetic coma. Some people don't know when their blood sugar is low.
Why do people with diabetes run into trouble?
People with diabetes can run into trouble if their levels of blood sugar and insulin are out of balance. Usually they can take steps to correct what's going on and stop the symptoms.
What is the term for a person who doesn't have enough insulin?
Diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA, is a life-threatening emergency caused when you don't have enough insulin and your liver has to break down fat into ketones for energy, but too fast for the body to handle. A buildup of ketones can change your blood chemistry and poison you. You could fall into a coma.
How long to wait to test blood sugar?
Help them get what they need to follow the 15/15 rule: Eat 15 grams of fast-acting carbs (3-4 glucose tablets or gels, 4 ounces of fruit juice or regular soda, or a tablespoon of honey or sugar) and wait 15 minutes. If they don't feel better, they should have more carbs and test their blood sugar again.
How to treat a low blood sugar emergency?
There are a number of steps you can take to prevent and manage a low blood sugar emergency: Recognize and react quickly to hypoglycemia symptoms, and consume 15 grams of carbohydrate if needed to treat a low. Make sure your family and friends know how to treat a severe low blood sugar with glucagon.
How to keep on top of hypoglycemia?
A good way to keep on top of hypoglycemia events is to keep an accurate record of your blood sugars, including when you experience a low blood sugar, what your reading was, and details regarding what might have caused it.
What is glucagon used for?
Glucagon for treatment of severe hypoglycemia. There are two forms of glucagon medication used to treat severe hypoglycemia: nasal powder and injection. The nasal powder comes in a small tube that has a plunger on one end.
What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?
The symptoms of mild to moderate hypoglycemia include trembling, sweating, anxiety, difficulty concentrating and nausea. The symptoms of severe hypoglycemia include confusion ...
Can you take glucagon with you?
The glucagon is mixed with the sterile water, and then injected under the skin. If you are at risk for severe hypoglycemia, you should carry glucagon with you at all times. At home, make sure it’s stored in a handy location, and that your family members know where it is.
Can insulin cause hypoglycemia?
If you take insulin or a diabetes medication that increases insulin produced by the pancreas (such as glyburide, gliclazide or repaglinide), you may be at risk of severe hypoglycemia. Read on to learn some things your family and friends can do to help you manage severe low blood sugar.
Best Emergency Snacks
Here are Chaparro’s picks for good emergency snacks for people with diabetes to address a low-blood sugar episode and help them feel better fast:
What to Expect
It takes about 10 minutes for these types of emergency snack foods to take effect. But Chaparro says to keep in mind that your symptoms resolve on their own timeframe. This can make it tempting to overeat the sugary snacks because you don’t feel immediate relief.
For High-Blood Sugar Episodes
On the flip side, if you experience a high blood sugar episode (also known as hyper glycemia), you’ll want to choose foods that are low in carbohydrates so that they don’t make the glucose levels rise even higher. Good choices for low-carb snacks (all of which have about 5 grams of carbohydrates or less) include:
When to Seek Medical Care
When low or high blood sugar levels aren’t responding to your at-home treatment, you should always seek medical attention since this can be a life-threatening situation.
Sources
" Type 2 Diabetes ." American Diabetes Association. Page accessed September 23, 2014.
How to treat non-severe hypoglycemia?
In most cases, non-severe hypoglycemia can be treated by taking glucose followed by slower acting carbohydrate such as bread or fruit. To prevent hypoglycemia developing into a more serious situation, make sure you have hypo treatments available at all times.
What is the best way to deal with diabetes?
Emergencies at school , college or work. To minimise the chance of a serious emergency at work, school or university, it’s best to ensure the people around you are aware you have diabetes, what dangers could potential happen and how to deal with any such situation should it develop. Particularly at work, some people may be worried about disclosing ...
Why do you need an ambulance?
An ambulance will be needed if someone has either very high or very low blood sugar levels that presents an immediate danger and neither they nor anyone around is confidently able to treat them. Ketoacidosis and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome are both life threatening conditions. Hypoglycemia can also be life threatening in some ...
What is HHNS in diabetes?
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS) HHNS is a short term complication that can occur in people with non-insulin dependent diabetes, such as type 2 diabetes, if blood glucose levels rise to a very high level of 30 mmol/l or above. If someone is showing the signs of HHNS it is important they receive emergency treatment.
What to call an ambulance for diabetics?
Someone with diabetes that is unconscious is one of the situations in which you should call for an ambulance. If you have doubts about whether the situation is serious enough to warrant an ambulance, call 111.
Why is it important to wear an emergency ID?
Diabetes emergency ID. If an emergency situation is developing, it’s important the people around you know that you have diabetes to help them to be able to help you. Wearing emergency identification will help people, including paramedics, to recognise that you have diabetes should you need emergency care.
Is hypoglycemia dangerous?
Hypoglycemia can become dangerous if it is not treated quickly, particularly if it is a result of an insulin overdose. Severe hypoglycemia is generally recognised as hypoglycemia involving: Convulsions (fitting) Unconsciousness.
What to do if blood sugar is too high?
If your blood sugar level is too high, you may need: Intravenous fluids to restore water to your tissues. Potassium, sodium or phosphate supplements to help your cells function correctly. Insulin to help your tissues absorb the glucose in your blood. Treatment for any underlying infections.
How to treat high blood sugar?
If your blood sugar level is too high, you may need: 1 Intravenous fluids to restore water to your tissues 2 Potassium, sodium or phosphate supplements to help your cells function correctly 3 Insulin to help your tissues absorb the glucose in your blood 4 Treatment for any underlying infections
What to do if you have diabetes and have no training?
If you have no training in diabetes care, wait for the emergency care team to arrive. If you are familiar with diabetes care, test the unconscious person's blood sugar and follow these steps: If the blood sugar level is lower than 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), give the person an injection of glucagon.
What to do if you pass out from high blood sugar?
If you feel the symptoms of extremely high or low blood sugar, call 911 or your local emergency number to make sure help is on the way before you pass out. If you're with someone with diabetes who has passed out or is acting strange, possibly as if he or she has had too much alcohol, call for immediate medical help.
What is the best way to raise blood sugar?
If your blood sugar level is too low, you may be given a glucagon injection, which will cause your blood sugar level to quickly rise. Intravenous dextrose also may be given to raise blood glucose levels.
What to wear if you are in a diabetic coma?
If you have diabetes, you may want to wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace.
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