Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is when your body does not release glucose stored in your liver to raise your blood sugar. This is your body's main source of energy. The brain needs sugar to do its job properly. So signs that your blood sugar level is too low can include dizziness, being easily confused, having blurred or double vision, and passing out.
Hypoglycemia isn't a disease. It indicates another health problem, and is most often caused by side effects from diabetes medications. Other causes of hypoglycemia include kidney and liver illnesses, eating disorders and drinking a lot of alcohol without eating. Eating or drinking something with carbohydrates can help raise the blood sugar and stop the symptoms. You can also take glucose pills. If you pass out, it's important to get immediate medical treatment.
Recently Answered
- Q What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?
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It is important to remember that each person's body responds differently to various levels of blood sugar. Mild, severe, and hypoglycemia fall on a continuum. In general, symptoms become more noticeable as blood sugar gets lower. The symptoms of... Full Answer
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- Q What is hypoglycemia unawareness?
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This is an important issue for people with diabetes. Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar. It is the opposite of hyperglycemia, which means elevated blood sugar. Since diabetes is usually associated with high blood sugar, it may come as a surprise to know... Full Answer
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- Q What is hypoglycemia?
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Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar. Normal blood sugar, or blood glucose, falls between 70 and 110 milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood. When blood sugar falls below 70, symptoms of hypoglycemia may begin, although they may not become... Full Answer
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- Q As a teacher, how can I help a child with diabetes who has low blood sugar?
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Hypoglycemia (or low blood glucose) is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment, particularly in children. If you notice that one of your students has hypoglycemia, then you should give the child one of the following -- even if you... Full Answer
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- Q As a teacher, how can I spot low blood sugar in a child with diabetes?
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A concern during school time is that a child with diabetes may develop hypoglycemia (his blood glucose may drop too low). If you know a child has diabetes, you need to keep a lookout for the potential warning signs. The child may be: unusually... Full Answer
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- Q As a teacher, how do I know if a child with diabetes has high blood sugar?
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A concern during school time is that a child’s blood glucose may go too high. This condition is called hyperglycemia. If you know a child has diabetes, you need to keep a lookout for the potential warning signs. The two main symptoms of... Full Answer
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- Q Is hypoglycemia serious?
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In general, mild or moderate hypoglycemia are not serious, as long as the low blood sugar is treated quickly and is not allowed to become severe. However, hypoglycemia can indicate the presence of a more serious disease. Hypoglycemia in diabetics may... Full Answer
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- Q Can moderate hypoglycemia be prevented?
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In people who have diabetes, the best way to prevent moderate hypoglycemia is to follow your doctor's instructions carefully. This may include taking your medications, monitoring your blood sugar, eating healthy meals at regular intervals, and... Full Answer
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- Q How can I prevent low blood glucose?
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Your best bet is to practice good diabetes management and learn to detect hypoglycemia so you can treat it early - before it gets worse. Full Answer
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- Q What is diabetic hypoglycemia?
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Diabetic hypoglycemia is low blood sugar often caused by an imbalance between diabetes medication and food consumption. Even though diabetes is associated with blood sugar that is too high, the medications used to lower the blood sugar may cause episodes... Full Answer
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