What is hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia is a condition where blood glucose (sugar) falls below the normal level, under 70 mg/dL. Since glucose is the brain’s main fuel, its shortage can quickly impair mental and physical functions. Hypoglycemia is usually divided into two categories:
- Reactive hypoglycemia:Typically occurs a few hours after eating.
- Fasting hypoglycemia:Happens when a person has not eaten for a long time.
Common symptoms of hypoglycemia
The severity and speed of blood sugar drop can cause different symptoms. Here are three important and common signs you should watch for:
Early signs:
- Trembling and cold sweating
- Severe hunger
- Anxiety, restlessness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Weakness or dizziness
Advanced symptoms:
- Blurred vision
- Confusion and difficulty concentrating
- Numbness in lips
- Changes in mood and behavior
- Unusual or irrational behavior
Severe symptoms:
- Unconsciousness
- Seizures
- coma
Main causes of hypoglycemia
- Use of blood sugar-lowering medications like insulin
- Irrespective of meals or prolonged fasting
- Intense physical activity without enough energy intake
- Alcohol consumption, especially when fasting
- Liver, kidney, or hormonal disorders
Fast treatment for hypoglycemia
Now let’s get to the main point: rapid and urgent treatment for hypoglycemia in critical conditions. Below are the most common treatment methods, listed with medical professionals’ advice:
For mild to moderate cases:
The 15-15 rule:Consume 15 grams of fast-absorbing sugar and measure blood sugar after 15 minutes. To prepare a sweet mixture, follow these steps:
- Half a glass of sweet fruit juice as a strong blood sugar booster
- One tablespoon of honey or sugar dissolved in 150 to 200 ml of drinking water
- Effervescent glucose tablet dissolved in 200 ml of drinking water
- Sucking on candies
- Plain biscuits or crackers
If, after following these steps, blood sugar remains below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), eat another 15-20 grams of carbohydrates and check blood sugar again after 15 minutes. Repeat these steps until your blood sugar exceeds 70 mg/dL. Continue this process if levels stay below 70 mg/dL.
In severe cases:
If the person is unconscious or unable to swallow:
- Call emergency services (115) or contact home treatment centers around the clock
- Administer glucose infusion via IV by a trained specialist following doctor’s orders
Under these conditions, transporting the patient to ER or receiving specialized services such ashome intravenous glucose therapycan be critical. These services ensure quick access to treatment and help prevent worsening symptoms. Remember, our ancestors called this ‘placing water on fire’! Usually, a healthcare professional administers a dextrose solution via IV, with concentrations of 5%, 10%, 20%, or 50% sugar.
Actions after stabilizing blood sugar
- Eat a full meal with complex carbohydrates and proteins, like rice and bread
- Investigate the cause of hypoglycemia: every 30 minutes to 3 hours, and then every 6 hours
- Adjust medication and meal plans with your endocrinologist and dietitian
- Record the timing and symptoms of hypoglycemia and inform your doctor
Prevent hypoglycemia through:
- Regular meal schedules
- Routine blood glucose monitoring with a glucometer
- Preparing for physical activity with carbohydrate intake
- Training family and caregivers to assist during emergencies
- Carrying sugary snacks during travel or daily activities
The role of family members and caregivers
Teaching those around you to recognize symptoms and respond properly is very important. In critical situations, familiarity with emergency services such as home IV therapy could be the difference between saving a life or facing serious complications. We should study more about the treatment programs from the Ministry of Health and Medical Education to choose the best intervention.
Summary and final results
Hypoglycemia is an emergency condition, but with proper recognition, rapid treatment, and preventive measures, serious complications can be avoided. Mobile medical services like home IV therapy are a safe and effective way to manage severe hypoglycemia.
