If you think your blood glucose is too low, use a blood glucose meter to check your level. If it is 70 mg/dL or below, have one of these quick fix foods right away to raise your blood glucose:

• 2 or 3 glucose tablets
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) of any fruit juice
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) of a regular (not diet) soft drink
• 1 cup (8 ounces) of milk
• 5 or 6 pieces of hard candy
• 1 or 2 teaspoons of sugar or honey

After 15 minutes, check your blood glucose again to make sure that it is no longer too low. If it is still too low, have another serving. Repeat these steps until your blood glucose is at least 70. Then, if it will be an hour or more before your next meal, have a snack.

If you take insulin or a diabetes medication that can cause hypoglycemia, always carry one of the quick-fix foods with you. Wearing a medical identification bracelet or necklace is also a good idea.

Exercise can also cause hypoglycemia. Check your blood glucose before you exercise.

Severe hypoglycemia can cause you to lose consciousness. In these extreme cases when you lose consciousness and cannot eat, glucagon can be injected to quickly raise your blood glucose level. Ask your health care provider if having a glucagon kit at home and at work is appropriate for you. This is particularly important if you have tpe 1 diabetes. Your family, friends, and co-workers will need to be taught how to give you a glucagon injection in an emergency.

Prevention of hypoglycemia while you are driving a vehicle is especially important. Checking blood glucose frequently and snacking as needed to keep your blood glucose above 70 mg/dL will help prevent accidents.

Points to Remember while treating Hypoglycemia

Diabetes-Related Hypoglycemia

• If you think your blood glucose is low, check it and treat the problem right away.  
• To treat hypoglycemia, have a serving of a quick-fix food, wait 15 minutes, and check your blood glucose. Repeat the treatment until your blood glucose is above 70.  
• Keep quick-fix foods in the car, at work—anywhere you spend time.  
• Be careful when you are driving. Check your blood glucose frequently and snack as needed to keep your level above 70 mg/dL.

Hypoglycemia Unrelated to Diabetes

• In reactive hypoglycemia, symptoms occur within 4 hours of eating. People with this condition are usually advised to follow a healthy eating plan recommended by a registered dietitian.  
• Fasting hypoglycemia can be caused by certain medications, critical illnesses, hereditary enzyme or hormonal deficiencies, and some kinds of tumors. Treatment targets the underlying problem.

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