Hypoglycemia
- Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar, less than 4.0 mmol/L
- Effects can range from minimal to severe. The following chart from the Canadian Diabetes Association summarizes these symptoms:
- At its most severe, the patient will lose consciousness and require emergency intervention
- Individuals on insulin and/or sulfonylureas are at the highest risk of hypoglycemia
- It is a good idea for a patient with insulin to carry a fast-acting glucose source in the case of a hypoglycemic episode. 15g of carbohydrates should increase a person’s blood glucose by 2.1 mmol/L in 20 minutes. These can include the following:
- Glucose tablets
- Lifesavers – patients should take approximately 6 of these
- Honey – 1 tablespoon will provide 15g of carbohydrates
- 175 ml of juice/regular soft drink
- Hypoglycemia is a very dangerous if it occurs during driving or work situations such as operated machinery so it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms