Diabetes: Dealing With Low Blood Sugar

Review the symptoms of low blood sugar if you have diabetes or some other health condition that can cause low blood sugar. Know the early symptoms. You may not always have the same symptoms. Check your blood sugar if you think it may be low. Eat quick-sugar foods or glucose gel or tabs if available. Liquids will raise…

Diabetes: Dealing With Low Blood Sugar

Topic Overview

Review the symptoms of low blood sugar if you have
diabetes or some other health condition that can cause
low blood sugar. Know the early symptoms. You may not always have the same symptoms.

  • Check your blood sugar if you think it may be low.
  • Eat quick-sugar foods or glucose gel or tabs if available. Liquids will raise your blood sugar faster than solid foods.
  • Wait 10 to 15 minutes after eating the quick-sugar food. If your blood sugar is still below
    70 mg/dL, eat another quick-sugar food.
  • If your blood sugar continues to be below 70 mg/dL or you are
    getting more sleepy and less alert, call 911 or other emergency services immediately. If possible, have someone stay with you
    until your blood sugar is above 70 mg/dL or until emergency help arrives.
  • When your blood sugar is above 70 mg/dL, eat a regular meal or a snack (such as a peanut butter sandwich). Do not take your insulin or other diabetes medicine until your blood sugar is back to normal.

Credits

ByHealthwise StaffPrimary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD – Internal Medicine Specialist Medical Reviewer Rhonda O’Brien, MS, RD, CDE – Certified Diabetes Educator

Current as ofMarch 28, 2018