You have had an episode of low blood sugar(hypoglycemia). A single episode of hypoglycemia doesn't mean that this problem will happen again.
There are some other causes for low blood sugar. These include poor diet, drinking too much alcohol, intense exercise, stress, pregnancy, and some illnesses.
Your blood sugar level may also be affected by tobacco, caffeine, and certain medicines, including:
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Aspirin.
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Haloperidol.
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Propoxyphene.
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Chlorpromazine.
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Propranolol.
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Disopyramide.
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ACE inhibitors.
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Quinolones (a type of antibiotics).
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Quinine.
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Lithium.
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Many of the medicines used by people with diabetes to lower their blood sugar.
A class of medicine called beta-blockers is used for high blood pressure, rapid heart rates, and other conditions. Beta-blockers may prevent the early symptoms of low blood sugar. If you're taking a beta-blocker, you might not realize that your blood sugar is getting low. If you're taking a beta-blocker and are more likely to have low blood sugar, talk with your health care provider about switching to a different class of medicine. Examples of beta-blockers include:
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Propranolol.
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Atenolol.
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Metoprolol.
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Nadolol.
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Labetalol.
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Carvedilol.
Home care
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If this is your first episode of hypoglycemia, you should eat or drink a pure carbohydrate. Then go back to a regular diet.
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Eliminate any of the above known causes where possible. Check with your provider before changing any of your medicines.
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Recurrent low blood sugar needs to be checked by a health care provider. Once the cause is identified, your provider will talk with you about what to do.
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The correct diet to prevent recurrent hypoglycemia includes protein (20% of calories), carbohydrate (50% of calories), and fat (30% of calories) in 6 small meals per day.
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It's important to learn the warning signals your body gives as your blood sugar starts to drop. Make a note of whether or not eating some fast-acting sugar actually relieves these symptoms.
If symptoms of hypoglycemia return
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Keep a source of fast-acting sugar with you. At the first sign of low blood sugar, eat or drink 15 to 20 grams of fast-acting sugar. Examples include:
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3 to 4 glucose tablets or 1 dose of glucose gel (usually 1 tube), found at most drugstores.
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4 ounces regular soda (don't use diet soda).
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4 ounces fruit juice.
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2 tablespoons raisins.
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1 tablespoon honey.
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8 ounces nonfat or 1% milk.
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Hard candies, gumdrops, or jellybeans (check the package for serving size).
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Eat a regular meal, with protein and fat, to help stabilize your blood sugar.
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If you have severe hypoglycemic spells, wear a medical alert bracelet. Or carry a card in your wallet describing this condition. If you have a severe hypoglycemic reaction and are unable to give this information, it'll help health care workers give you correct care. Talk with your provider about glucagon (injectable or spray) for treating severe hypoglycemia.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your health care provider or as advised.
When to call your doctor
Contact your health care provider right away if any of these symptoms of low blood sugar occur:
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Fatigue or headache.
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Trembling, nausea, or excess sweating.
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Hunger.
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Feeling anxious or restless.
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Vision changes.
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Irritability.
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Sleepiness.
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Dizziness.
Call 911
Call
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Consuming fast-acting sugar doesn't improve your symptoms within 20 minutes. After calling 911, go to an emergency room (ER). Don't drive yourself.
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You feel drowsy.
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You feel weak.
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You feel confused.
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You have seizures.
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You lose consciousness.
