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Islets of Hope for persons with diabetes | ||||
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Article by Lahle Wolfe, Founder, Islets of Hope. For article use and reprint permission please contact: Sources Hypoglycemia and diabetes: doing your partSigns and symptoms of hypoglycemia can vary from person to person. Get to know your own signs and describe them to your friends and family so they will be able to help you. If your child has diabetes, tell school staff about hypoglycemia and how to treat it. Always carry with you a copy of emergency medical instructions in case you ever become unconscious. If you experience hypoglycemia several times a week, call your health care provider. You may need a change in your treatment plan: less medication or a different medication, a new schedule for your insulin shots or medication, a different meal plan, or a new exercise plan. Did You Know? ... that exercise can cause hypoglycemia? Check your blood glucose before you exercise and afterwards. If you are active for a long time, or, feel any of the symptoms of abnormal blood glucose levels (high or low) check during exercise as well. South Beach Diet Series
Important Medical Disclaimer All material found on this site is intended to provide you with general information. You should consult with your own physician before making any changes to your diabetes care plan.
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Symptoms of hypoglycemia Mini Site Index Hypoglycemia: An Immediate Danger Low blood glucose levels present immediate danger -- they must be treated (but not over treated) to avoid insulin shock or death. Frequent lows indicate brittle diabetes, that is, too much insulin is being administered or, that is being improperly timed, to handle snacks, meals and activity levels. It is important that you report severe or frequent lows to your physician so that he/she can help you make any necessary adjustments in your care. Symptoms of Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Glucose) It is important to remember that people can react differently to low blood glucose levels. You may feel different symptoms from time to time, or none at all. Children will often become belligerent and weepy when their blood glucose is low, but not all do. (Elizabeth, my daughter, acts like she is drunk; wobbly and silly, laughing hysterically at everything and anything.) IOH Health Tip: Excessive amounts of caffeine can mimic the symptoms of feeling like you are low but does not actually cause hypoglycemia. Whenever you feel low, immediately check your blood glucose. If you cannot check your sugars and you feel low, assume you are low and take a fast-acting sugar and test your blood glucose as soon as possible. Generally, symptoms of hypoglycemia include: Mild Hypoglycemia
Moderate Hypoglycemia Any of the above mild symptoms, plus:
Severe Hypoglycemia * * * Give glucagon & CALL 911 ASAP! * * * Any of the above mild or moderate symptoms, plus:
Severe hypoglycemia requires injection of glucagon to save the person's life! Hypoglycemia can also happen while you are sleeping. You might:
More Information About Hypoglycemia People with diabetes People that do not have diabetes Related Information
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