How To Treat Low Blood Sugar (Diabetes Type 2)

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You may think this is a weird question for a diabetes channel to tackle. But a 2015 study by Chloe Eldridge found that “Current evidence shows hypoglycaemia is considerably prevalent amongst people with type 2 diabetes, particularly for those on insulin, yet still fairly common for other treatment regimens. This highlights the subsequent need for educational interventions and individualisation of therapies to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia.”

First let’s define what we mean by hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia happens when the amount of blood glucose (sugar in the blood) drops to a level that's too low to sustain normal functioning; in most people, this is defined as a blood-sugar level below 70 mg/dl.

Left untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to a coma and even death. It is very important that those with diabetes monitor sugar levels and treat hypoglycemia when it is present and right away.

It happens more often than we think. So what does it feel like to have hypoglycemia? Let’s look at the most common risks of hypoglycemia, the symptoms and then what you need to do to treat the condition.

You are at risk of having a low blood sugar reaction if you:

Skip or delay a meal or snack. This is why it is so important for you to make sure you eat. I know the temptation to lose weight and other factors may cause you to not eat regularly, but it is so important that you eat 3 meals a day and eat your snacks in between meals. This is to maintain a steady, even blood sugar level.

Take too much insulin or eat too few carbohydrates. We have all made a mistake in our dosage of insulin. You take it when half asleep or just in a hurry. It happens. Don’t try to pretend you didn’t make this mistake. It is fine! Just correct it. Also, in many of my videos I have stated that you must eat carbs. That is one reason a very low carb diet is not good for diabetes. It will really mess up your blood glucose regulating system. Trust me, I know from experience.

Exercise. When you exercise, you are burning off carbs and sugars. This is great, but know that with your exercise comes a possibility for your blood sugar to be low. Get into the habit of checking your blood sugar before, during and after you exercise and be prepared. Have a carb snack ready to get that sugar back up.

Drink alcohol, especially without eating carbohydrates. I have done extensive research on this topic. I have written about it and I have included the information in several of our videos. If you are going to drink alcohol, you must do so with food. Drink with a meal, or at the very least with snacks. Alcohol can bring down blood glucose levels drastically and the symptoms of hypoglycemia are often mistaken for drunkenness. Even if you are not intoxicated.

15/15 Rule

If after checking your blood sugar and it is less than 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl), you will need to follow the 15/15 rule.

Eat 15 grams of then rest for 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.

Important: If you have frequent low blood sugars speak to your doctor. You may need changes in your medication and/or meal plan.

Quick Carbohydrate Guide for Treating Low Blood Sugars

If your blood sugar is less than 70 mg/dl, you need 15 grams of a quickly absorbed carbohydrate, like the ones listed below. Each of the following servings provides 15 grams of carbohydrate.

Candies
5 small gum drops
12 gummy bears
6 large jelly beans
5 Life Savers
15 Skittles
1 Tablespoon honey, jam or jelly
1 Tablespoon sugar in water
4 Starburst

Beverages
1/2 cup apple juice
1/2 cup orange or grapefruit juice
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup regular soda (not diet)
1/3 cup grape juice
1/3 cup cranberry juice
1/3 cup prune juice
1 cup fat free milk

Fruits
1/2 banana
1 small apple
1 small orange
1/2 cup applesauce
2 tablespoons of raisins
15 grapes

Other
3 to 4 glucose tablets
1 tube glucose gel

The foods I have given you are easily absorbed and will raise blood sugar levels quickly. Foods that contain protein or fat — such as chocolate, candy bars, ice cream, cookies, crackers and bread — don't raise blood sugar quickly enough.

If you have type 1 diabetes and you do not take care of low blood glucose, you may pass out. If you do, a drug called glucagon should be injected into your skin, like you do with insulin. This can be done by a family member or friend who has been taught how to do it. Since glucagon may cause you to vomit, you should be placed on your side when the injection is given. If no one knows how to give the injection, you should be taken to a hospital.

You need a prescription for a glucagon kit.

You should awaken about 10 minutes after the glucagon is injected. If you do not, you should be taken at once to a hospital.