Hypoglycemia what is it symptoms

Read this article in Spanish. The risk factors for type 2 diabetes are complex and range from genetic to environmental to lifestyle choices. Learn more. My diagnosis was a wake-up call. It was time to take care of my health. Learn more about its symptoms, causes, and treatment. I learned that the best type 2 diabetes diet is the one that works for you. Members of the T2D Healthline community understand well how managing diabetes can feel overwhelming. These 6 tips can help make it easier.

It's normal to feel overwhelmed or nervous about managing your type 1 diabetes. While each day will be different, this basic guide can help you stay…. Diabetes can impact almost all the body's systems. Find out more about some diabetes impacts you may not have known about. Insulin resistance doesn't have to turn into diabetes. Know about early signs and find out what you can do to identify the condition.

Everything you've wanted to know about type 2 diabetes: The warning signs, possible complications, risk factors, prevention, type 2 in children, and…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Type 2 Diabetes. Hypoglycemia Symptoms. What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia? What causes hypoglycemia? How is hypoglycemia diagnosed? How is hypoglycemia treated?

Complications from spells of hypoglycemia. How can episodes of hypoglycemia be prevented? Read this next. Medically reviewed by Kelly Wood, MD. Medically reviewed by Marina Basina, M. Medically reviewed by Michelle L.

Griffith, MD. Insulin Resistance. Understanding Type 2 Diabetes. If you can, check often! Together, you can review all your data to figure out the cause of the lows. The more information you can give your health care provider, the better they can work with you to understand what's causing the lows.

Your provider may be able to help prevent low blood sugar by adjusting the timing of insulin dosing, exercise and meals or snacks.

Changing insulin doses or the types of food you eat may also do the trick. If you're new to type 2 diabetes, join our free Living With Type 2 Diabetes program to get help and support during your first year. Log in menu Manage Account Search. Donate now. Hypoglycemia Low Blood Glucose. Blood Sugar Testing and Control. Hypoglycemia Low Blood sugar. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar happen quickly Each person's reaction to low blood sugar is different.

Treatment—The " Rule" The rule—have 15 grams of carbohydrate to raise your blood sugar and check it after 15 minutes. Note: Young children usually need less than 15 grams of carbs to fix a low blood sugar level: Infants may need 6 grams, toddlers may need 8 grams, and small children may need 10 grams. This needs to be individualized for the patient, so discuss the amount needed with your diabetes team.

When treating a low, the choice of carbohydrate source is important. Complex carbohydrates, or foods that contain fats along with carbs like chocolate can slow the absorption of glucose and should not be used to treat an emergency low. Treating severe hypoglycemia Glucagon is a hormone produced in the pancreas that stimulates your liver to release stored glucose into your bloodstream when your blood sugar levels are too low.

Find products for dealing with low blood glucose Steps for treating a person with symptoms keeping them from being able to treat themselves. If the glucagon is injectable, inject it into the buttock, arm or thigh, following the instructions in the kit.

If your glucagon is inhalable, follow the instructions on the package to administer it into the nostril. When the person regains consciousness usually in minutes , they may experience nausea and vomiting. Do NOT: Inject insulin it will lower the person's blood sugar even more Provide food or fluids they can choke Causes of low blood sugar Low blood sugar is common for people with type 1 diabetes and can occur in people with type 2 diabetes taking insulin or certain medications.

Insulin Too much insulin is a definite cause of low blood sugar. Food What you eat can cause low blood sugar, including: Not enough carbohydrates. Eating foods with less carbohydrate than usual without reducing the amount of insulin taken. Timing of insulin based on whether your carbs are from liquids versus solids can affect blood sugar levels.

Liquids are absorbed much faster than solids, so timing the insulin dose to the absorption of glucose from foods can be tricky. The composition of the meal—how much fat, protein, and fiber are present—can also affect the absorption of carbohydrates.

Physical activity Exercise has many benefits. Medical IDs Many people with diabetes, particularly those who use insulin, should have a medical ID with them at all times. Hypoglycemia unawareness occurs more frequently in those who: Frequently have low blood sugar episodes which can cause you to stop sensing the early warning signs of hypoglycemia.

Have had diabetes for a long time. Tightly control their diabetes which increases your chances of having low blood sugar reactions. How can I prevent low blood sugar? Check before and after meals. These include:. Symptoms can differ from person to person or from episode to episode.

Some people don't have any noticeable symptoms. It's also possible you won't have any symptoms of hypoglycemia, so it's important to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and keep track of how you're feeling when your blood sugar is low. Severe hypoglycemia can lead to serious problems, including seizures or unconsciousness, that require emergency care.

Make sure your family, friends and co-workers know what to do in an emergency. If you have symptoms of hypoglycemia several times a week or more, see your doctor. You may need to change your medication dosage or timing, or otherwise adjust your diabetes treatment regimen. Low blood sugar is most common among people who take insulin, but it can also occur if you're taking certain oral diabetes medications. The hormone insulin lowers blood sugar levels when blood sugar is too high. If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and need insulin to control your blood sugar, taking more insulin than you need can cause your blood sugar level to drop too low and result in hypoglycemia.

Your blood sugar can also drop too low if, after taking your diabetes medication, you eat less than usual most of the body's glucose comes from food , or if you exercise more than you normally do, which uses extra glucose. Maintaining the balance between insulin, food and activity isn't always easy, but your doctor or diabetes educator can work with you to try to prevent low blood sugar levels.

If you ignore the symptoms of hypoglycemia too long, you may lose consciousness. That's because your brain needs glucose to function. Recognize the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia early, because if untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to:. Take your early symptoms seriously.