Hypoglycemia: Care to be taken while on insulin

When someone has diabetes and their body cannot make enough insulin or use it properly, they often need to take insulin from outside. This helps the body absorb sugar from food and use it for energy. Insulin is essential for many people, but using it the wrong way can be risky. One of the main problems is hypoglycemia, which happens when blood sugar drops too low—below 70 mg/dL.

Hypoglycemia is dangerous and can happen quickly. The common causes include taking too much insulin, skipping meals, eating late, or exercising more than usual. Sometimes, it can also occur due to other medications. The early signs of hypoglycemia include confusion, shakiness, blurred vision, sweating, fast heartbeat, anxiety, and extreme hunger. If ignored, it can lead to fainting or even coma.

For mild hypoglycemia, the person should immediately check their blood sugar. If it is low, they should take something sweet like juice, candy, or glucose tablets. After resting for a few minutes, the sugar should be checked again. If the symptoms continue, a doctor should be called. In severe cases, where the person becomes unconscious, honey or glucose gel should be applied inside the mouth. If available, a glucagon injection can help. Always look for a medical ID that tells others the person is diabetic.

To stay safe, diabetics on insulin should monitor their sugar levels regularly, avoid alcohol, inform their doctor about any other medicines they take, and never share insulin pens. It's important to eat meals on time and keep insulin doses clearly labeled. Tracking your progress helps avoid mistakes and keeps sugar levels stable.

To Read more about this, visit our blog.

https://www.freedomfromdiabetes.org/blog/post/hypoglycemia-care-to-be-taken-while-on-insulin/2808