It’s not because diabetes is a common disease that it should be taken likely. Far from it, letting your guards down will just open a window of opportunity for this sneaky health threat to creep up and eat you alive-ish.
That’s why you always need to be on your toes and stay alert.
That’s why, if everyone is bundled up, and you are perspiring as if you’ve just run a marathon, something is up.
“What’s up?” you ask.
My friend, you might be experiencing a hypoglycaemic episode.
Hypoglycemia
While most people with diabetes do everything in their power to reduce their blood sugar, some are struggling to avoid hypoglycemia, a.k.a low blood sugar. (Oh, the irony.) Hypoglycaemia can be caused by various reasons: too much insulin or anti-hyperglycemic meds, skipping meals, excessive alcohol or coffee consumption, exercise, and the list goes on.
If healthcare professionals have to choose between receiving a hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic patient, they would most rather deal with the latter. Why? Because hypoglycemia can drag a person deep into a coma, and it only needs one take; it’s an immediate effect contrary to hyperglycaemia where its consequences are more so in the long term.
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia
Of course, sweating does not automatically mean that you are experiencing a hypoglycemic episode. You could just be really hot.
The symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Confusion
- Vision impairment
- Trembling
- Hunger
If these symptoms apply to you, test your blood sugar. If it is low (less than 4 mmol/L), you need to treat your hypoglycaemia ASAP.
How?
For a blood glucose between 2.8 and 3.9 mmol/L,
- 3/4 cup of fruit juice
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1 Tbsp sugar dissolved in water
For a blood glucose below 2.8 mmol/L, the treatment needs to be a bit more intense:
- 1 cup of fruit juice
- 4 tsp of honey
- 4 tsp of sugar dissolved in water
Following the treatment, wait 15 minutes before testing your glycemia again. If it continues to be below 4 mmol/L, repeat the same procedure. If you manage to bring it up above 4 mmol/L, hurray!
Note that it is recommended to eat your meal or a snack that is a good source of protein and carb following treatment. This method will prevent your blood sugar from rising even further and from dipping after the effect wears off.
Stay safe!
