Hypoglycemia-Low Blood Sugar

Hypoglycemia occurs when the blood sugar is too low for example < 60 mg/dl. A woman experiencing poor blood sugar control may experience symptoms when the blood sugar is 100 mg/dl.

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

• Excessive sweating hunger, weakness
  
• Headache feeling faint or dizzy
  
• Pounding of the heart
• Vision problems
• Trembling/shakiness
• Feeling sleepy or confused
  
• Irritability/crankiness
• Numbness or tingling around the mouth

• Too much insulin
• Too little food
• Skipped meal or snack
• Delayed meal
• More than usual amount of exercise

What to Do?*

Check blood sugars.

• If below 50, take 15 gm of carbohydrates
  (i.e. 4-6 oz. of apple or grape juice) ½ cup = 4 oz.
  
• If between 50-70, 4-6 oz. apple or grape juice or eat meal or snack if it is time for it.
  
• If above 80, drink water and rest.
  
• Recheck the blood sugar level 15 minutes after each step above. Repeat the food if the level has not increased by 20 mg/dl.
  
• Follow with the next scheduled meal or snack.
  

Make sure someone is present who knows how to use the glucagon kit in case you are unable to care for yourself.

*Always approve your individual treatment plan with your personal physician.
These are general guidelines and not intended to serve as individual treatment or diabetic management recommendations..

• Types of Diabetes
• Gestational Diabetes
• Screening for Diabetes in Pregnancy
• Management of Diabetes During Pregnancy
• Past Pregnancy
• Supplemental Insulin
• Nutrition and Diabetes
• Carbohydrates and Diabetes
• Glucose Monitoring
• Hypoglycemia
• Hyperglycemia
• Exercise with Diabetes During Pregnancy
• Medications for Diabetes
• Effects of Diabetes on the Mother
• Effects of Diabetes on the Baby
• Preconception Care
• Substance Abuse in Pregnancy
• Postpartum Care

This information is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician. The content provided on this page is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.