Although people usually think about the long-term complications when it comes to diabetes, short-term or acute problems can also occur. Both low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) are acute problems
Anything that lowers your blood sugar can cause hypoglycemia. Too much insulin, the wrong kind or dose of your diabetes pills, too much exercise, or too little food can cause your blood sugar to go too low.
Never drive when your blood sugar is low. Driving with a low blood sugar is just like driving drunk. If you feel as if you are having a reaction, pull over, treat the reaction and wait until your blood sugar is on target before you drive again.
If your blood sugar is less than 50 mg/dL, take 30 grams of carbohydrate.
Wait 15 minutes and re-check your blood sugar.
If your blood sugar is still less than 70 mg/dL, take another 15 grams of carbohydrate.
What to Take Amount (15 grams of carbohydrate)
Glucose tablets…………………….. 3 to 4
Regular soft drinks……………….. 1/2 cup (4 ounces)
Orange or apple juice…………… 1/2 cup (4 ounces)
Grape or cranberry juice………. 1/3 cup (3 ounces)
Milk (no fat or low-fat)…………… 1 cup (8 ounces)
Raisins………………………………….. 2 tablespoons
Sugar packets……………………….. 3 packets
Regular gelatin snack cup……… 3.5 ounces
Fruit cup, in its own juice………. 4 ounces
Fruit Roll-up………………………….. 1 large roll
Whenever you have a reaction, ask yourself these questions.
- What was I doing before the reaction?
- What do I think caused the reaction?
- Did the treatment work?
- Was my blood sugar on target for the rest of the day after the reaction?