Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can occur in both people with diabetes and those without. A hypoglycemic crisis can be a medical emergency, and it is important to know the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and how to respond.

In this guide, we will provide an overview of hypoglycemic crises and tips on how to react in case of an emergency.

What is a Hypoglycemic Crisis?

A hypoglycemic crisis occurs when the blood sugar level falls too low, typically below 70 mg/dL.

This can happen when a person with diabetes takes too much insulin or other diabetes medications, skips meals, exercises more than usual, or drinks alcohol without eating. In people without diabetes, a hypoglycemic crisis can be caused by certain medications, alcohol consumption, or underlying health conditions such as liver, kidney, or pancreas disease.

When blood sugar levels drop too low, the body reacts by releasing hormones like epinephrine, which can cause symptoms such as sweating, shakiness, lightheadedness, confusion, or even loss of consciousness.

In severe cases, hypoglycemia can lead to seizures, coma, or even death.

How to React to a Hypoglycemic Crisis

Recognize the Signs of Hypoglycemia

The first step in reacting to a hypoglycemic crisis is to recognize the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar. These can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:.

Sweating
Shakiness
Irritability or anxiety
Trouble concentrating
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Nausea or vomiting
Headache
Fatigue or weakness
Blurred vision
Fast heartbeat
Pale skin
Seizures or unconsciousness (in severe cases)

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to check blood sugar levels to confirm whether hypoglycemia is the cause.

React Quickly

When a hypoglycemic crisis occurs, time is of the essence. The longer blood sugar remains low, the more severe the symptoms can become.

It is important to act quickly to raise blood sugar levels, especially if the person is showing signs of confusion, disorientation, or loss of consciousness.

Administer Glucose

The best way to raise blood sugar quickly is to administer glucose in some form. This can be done by:.

Drinking fruit juice or regular soda (not diet)
Eating candy or other sweets
Taking glucose tablets or gels

The amount of glucose needed will depend on the severity of the hypoglycemia and the person’s weight and other factors. Typically, 15 grams of glucose is enough to raise blood sugar by 50 mg/dL.

It is important to wait 15 minutes after administering glucose to check blood sugar levels again and confirm that they have risen to a safe range.

Follow up with Food

After administering glucose, it is important to follow up with a meal or snack containing carbohydrates and protein to prevent blood sugar from dropping again.

Make sure to eat or drink something with a sustained source of carbohydrates, such as a fruit smoothie, protein bar, or whole-grain toast, instead of relying on sweets or junk food.

Get Medical Help if Necessary

If the person is not responding to treatment, is unconscious, or is having a seizure, it may be necessary to call for emergency medical help.

This is especially important if the person has diabetes and has lost consciousness, as this can be a sign of a more serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis.

Preventing Hypoglycemic Crises

The best way to prevent hypoglycemic crises is to maintain stable blood sugar levels through regular blood sugar monitoring, balanced meals, and appropriate medication management for people with diabetes. Other tips to prevent hypoglycemia include:.

Avoiding alcohol without eating
Avoiding skipping meals or snacks
Adjusting medications according to changes in activity level or illness
Carrying a source of glucose or other quick-acting carbohydrates at all times

By taking these steps, people with diabetes and those at risk for hypoglycemia can reduce their risk of developing a hypoglycemic crisis.

Conclusion

Hypoglycemic crises can be scary and even life-threatening, but with prompt action and proper treatment, most people can recover quickly and avoid serious complications.

By recognizing the signs of hypoglycemia, reacting quickly with glucose, following up with a balanced meal or snack, and taking steps to prevent hypoglycemia in the first place, people with diabetes and others at risk can stay safe and healthy.