Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, occurs when the glucose level in the blood drops below normal, causing symptoms like shakiness, sweating, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness. Treating hypoglycemia quickly and effectively is crucial to prevent serious complications.
For **mild to moderate hypoglycemia** in people who are awake and able to swallow, the most common and effective treatment is to consume **15 to 20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates**. This can be done by eating or drinking things like fruit juice, regular soda (not diet), glucose tablets, honey, or sugary candy. The key is that these carbohydrates are absorbed quickly to raise blood sugar levels rapidly. After consuming the carbohydrates, it is recommended to wait about 15 minutes and then recheck blood sugar. If it remains low, repeat the process until blood sugar returns to a safe range. This approach is often called the **”15/15 rule”**: 15 grams of carbs, wait 15 minutes, then check again.
Examples of 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates include:
– 4 ounces (about half a cup) of fruit juice or regular soda
– 3 to 4 glucose tablets
– 1 tablespoon of honey or sugar
– Small candies like jellybeans or gumdrops
Once blood sugar is back to normal, it’s important to eat a small snack or meal that contains longer-acting carbohydrates and protein to help stabilize blood sugar and prevent another drop.
In cases of **severe hypoglycemia**, where the person is unconscious, unable to swallow, or having seizures, immediate medical intervention is necessary. Since oral intake is not possible, treatment involves administering **glucagon**, a hormone that raises blood sugar by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose. Glucagon can be given as an injection or nasal spray by a caregiver or medical professional. Emergency services should be called if severe hypoglycemia occurs.
For people who experience frequent hypoglycemia, especially those with diabetes on insulin or certain medications, prevention strategies are important. These include:
– Regularly monitoring blood sugar levels to detect drops early
– Adjusting medication doses under medical supervision
– Eating balanced meals with a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fats to maintain steady blood sugar
– Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, which can cause delayed hypoglycemia
– Carrying fast-acting carbohydrates at all times for quick treatment
In some situations, such as during or after exercise, low-dose glucagon has been explored as an alternative to oral carbohydrates to prevent or treat hypoglycemia, especially when eating is not feasible.
For children, treatment principles are similar but must be adapted to age and weight, and caregivers should seek pediatric guidance for dosing and management.
Overall, the cornerstone of hypoglycemia treatment is **rapidly raising blood sugar with fast-acting carbohydrates** for mild cases and **glucagon administration for severe cases**, followed by measures to prevent recurrence through lifestyle and medication management. Recognizing symptoms early and acting promptly can prevent complications and ensure safety.
