“Hypoglycaemic” events in your life
Dear readers, hypoglycemia is one of the most common condition in people with diabetes and without diabetes. Hypoglycaemic events in your life can occur due to the abnormal and sometimes unexplained low level of glucose in the blood, which may result in dizziness, blurred vision, irregular heartbeats, chills, unconsciousness and medical emergencies, especially in the case of insulin dependent people with diabetes
We often come across people with diabetes sharing the “good, not so good and bad” times about their low blood glucose levels with their doctors. But research hints that most of the people hesitate to share the same with their colleagues, friends and family members. Did you know how sharing diabetes with colleagues at workplace and friends can save you from all the ugly times?
Hypoglycemia can be caused due to various reasons such as fasting, skipping meals, stress, medicines, insulin usage, over exercising, alcohol consumption, and sometimes unexplained reasons as well. But with proper care and good diabetes management this condition can be managed and you can come out of it with flying colours!
Here are a few ways to prevent hypoglycemia
Check your blood glucose levels:
Diabetes association of America generally recommends checking your blood glucose level using glucometer at least five times for insulin dependent people and two times for people with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin). In addition to this to prevent from hypoglycemia you are advised to check your blood glucose just after meals to manage reactive hypoglycemia, a condition in which consumption of refined carbohydrates and high sugar items initiate hyper insulin production causing low blood glucose levels right after post meal.
Meal planning:
Research suggests that one of the most common reasons of hypoglycaemic events occur due to fasting or skipping meals. American diabetes association suggest having atleast six meals in a day. This will not only keep your blood sugar levels on check but also prevent you from hypoglycemia. Consumption of no carbs or low carbs also lead to hypoglycemia hence you are recommended to have low carbs in your diet to prevent hypoglycaemic events.
Medicines:
If you are taking medications such as insulin or sulphonylurea, you are advised to check with your doctor the amount, frequency and side-effects of the medicines. Scientific studies have confirmed that certain medicines induce hypoglycemia and causes discomfort in people with diabetes. Hence speak with your doctor; your doctor may prescribe alternative or lower dosage of medications to prevent you from these episodes.
Eat a snack/meal after exercising:
Studies shows, certain physical activities lower the blood glucose levels and keep the blood glucose levels “low” for atleast 3-4 hours post the activity causing hypoglycemia. To prevent from this condition you are advised to eat a snack or a meal after working out or exercising for more than an hour. Eating a snack ensures that blood sugar levels do not hit low and cause discomfort in people with diabetes.
Alcohol and Hypoglycemia:
Research hints, that consuming alcohol without a meal/snack may initiate a drop in your blood glucose levels causing hypoglycemia. Hence alcohol you are advised to consume alcohol in moderation along with a healthy snack or meal to avoid spiking of blood glucose levels and hypoglycemia.
Share with your friends/family members:
Research is on our side and hints that diabetes and episodes of hypoglycemia can be effectively managed with the support and cooperation of colleagues/friends/family. Infact studies reveal that self-managed diabetes programmes are often less successful than joint programmes and programmes supported by peer and friends. Hence you are advised to tell your co-workers and friends about the condition to help you better manage hypoglycaemic events.
Here’s are some quick fixes to Hypoglycemia for patients/family/colleagues and caregivers
Emergency conditions:
In times of emergency situations, you are strongly recommended to call your doctor and admit the patient in a hospital. The patient might need glucagon injection and quick fixes might not work so we urge you to seek medical advice immediately.
Citations
American Diabetes Association.
www.niddk.nih.gov
www.keepinghappy.com
