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McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2
Spanish version
Insulin-Reaction Hypoglycemia
What is insulin-reaction hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia is the term used for when you have too little
sugar in your blood. Other terms are "insulin-reaction" or
"lows."
How does it occur?
People with diabetes can get hypoglycemia if they take too
much insulin or other blood sugar medication. If you have
too much medication in your blood, your blood sugar level
will become too low. Some other causes of abnormally low
blood sugar levels are:
- exercising more than usual
- skipping meals
- not eating at regular mealtimes
- eating only part of your meal
- diarrhea
- vomiting.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of low blood sugar range from mild to severe.
Watch for the following symptoms that result from low blood
sugar:
- mild symptoms
- dizziness
- irritability
- hunger
- clumsiness, shakiness
- sweating
- rapid heartbeat
- moderate symptoms
- confusion
- headache
- poor coordination
- severe symptoms
- seizures
- unconsciousness
- coma
- death.
You must watch your blood sugar level closely. If you test
your blood sugar regularly, you will be able to treat
hypoglycemia before it causes serious symptoms.
Some high blood pressure medicines called beta blockers hide
the symptoms of hypoglycemia. If you are taking medicine
for high blood pressure, talk to your health care provider
about this.
You should know the difference between the symptoms of low
blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar
(hyperglycemia). High blood sugar doesn't always cause
symptoms, but when it does the symptoms may include blurry
vision, extreme thirst, and a lot of urination.
How is it treated?
Always carry some form of sugar and drink or eat it as soon
as you have any symptoms of hypoglycemia. If possible,
check your blood sugar first. This will help your health
care provider determine the best management of your sugar
levels.
If you have mild or moderate hypoglycemia:
- The following amounts and types of foods will bring your
blood sugar level up:
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/3 cup apple juice
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup of raisins
- 2 large or 6 small sugar cubes in water
- 4 to 6 ounces of regular cola
- 1/3 to 1/2 a tube (30 grams) of glucose in gel form
(such as InstaGel or MonGel) or cake icing.
- 1 tablespoon of molasses, corn syrup, or honey.
- If you still have symptoms after eating or drinking one
of the foods listed above, you may need to eat or drink
another portion.
- If you are about to eat a meal, eat the fruit or drink
the juice first and then eat the rest of your meal.
If you have severe hypoglycemia that is causing seizures or
unconsciousness, someone should call 911 because you need
emergency treatment. Your blood sugar level will be checked
and you will be given an injection of glucose or a hormone
called glucagon. You may need to go to the hospital so your
health care provider can watch your reaction to treatment
and control your insulin level.
How long will the effects last?
The effects of low blood sugar will continue and worsen
until your blood sugar level is restored to normal. You
will need to take special care the rest of your life to keep
your blood sugar at the proper level.
How can I prevent insulin-reaction hypoglycemia?
You can help prevent hypoglycemia by following these
guidelines:
- Keep your blood sugar in the normal range. Check your
blood sugar level regularly and whenever you have any of
the symptoms of hypoglycemia. Know when to check your
blood sugar and when to call for help.
- Know what causes hypoglycemia.
- Carry sugar or hard candy to eat if your blood sugar gets
too low.
- Wear a medical ID bracelet or carry a card that says you
are diabetic.
- Tell a friend, coworker, or family member how to give you
an injection of glucagon.
- Eat a full meal at regular mealtimes. Do not skip meals
or eat partial meals.
- Eat more if you are exercising more than usual.
- Check your blood sugar more often when you are exercising
more or eating less, or when you have been sick.
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