Hypoglycemia is primarily controlled by preventive measures such as diet and exercise. If your blood sugar levels still drop, eating fast-acting carbohydrates can bring them back to normal. Depending on the underlying cause of your hypoglycemia, you may also need medication.
drug options
If you are managing type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you have oral and injectable medications at your disposal. However, in the case of diabetes, many of these drugs are designed to treat diabetes. expensive Blood sugar level.
mild symptoms low Blood sugar levels may be improved by fast-acting carbohydrates.
On the other hand, for severe symptoms such as loss of consciousness, glucagon injections may need to be administered by a loved one or a medical professional. (2) Another way to administer glucagon is through an inhalable nasal powder, which the Food and Drug Administration approved in 2019 to treat severe hypoglycemia in people 4 years of age and older. (11)
meal options
If your blood sugar levels drop too low, eating certain foods can help bring your blood sugar levels back to a safe range.
Once your levels drop below 70 mg/dL, you should eat and drink the equivalent of 15 grams (g) of carbohydrates. (2) This may include eating 1 tablespoon (tablespoons) of honey, 2 tablespoons of raisins, or 1/2 cup of soda or fruit juice. However, make sure these are versions that contain real sugar and not artificial sweeteners so your blood sugar levels respond accordingly. You want to reduce sugary drinks in your overall diet, but diet drinks and unsweetened drinks have little effect on raising blood sugar levels if you have hypoglycemia.
Blood sugar levels can be measured again 15 minutes after a meal. If it’s still low, the American Diabetes Association recommends repeating the process. (12) If you take glucose tablets, make sure to take a total of 16 g (usually 4 tablets total, 4 g each).
To keep blood sugar levels steady over time, Dodell recommends eating short, regular meals with a balance of carbohydrates, lean protein, and healthy fats. Contrary to what some influencers and popular diet marketers may tell you, there is no such thing as a true low-glycemic diet.
exercise and hypoglycemia
Exercise is key to regulating insulin and blood sugar levels.
If your blood sugar levels are high, exercising can help lower them. That’s because your body can naturally take up glucose from insulin more effectively during and after physical activity. (12)
The trick is to exercise at the right amount and at the right intensity. Exercising at a more intense level than usual can cause your blood sugar levels to drop quickly. Such effects can last for 24 hours. (2)
Still, you shouldn’t avoid exercise for fear of hypoglycemia. It’s important to focus on gentler activities such as walking, cycling, and swimming. As you get used to your workouts, gradually increase your sweating time and intensity. For people new to exercise, this may mean increasing your daily walk by a few minutes each week.
To be safe, check your blood sugar levels beforehand. You can also keep the meter handy during and after your workout.
