Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Hypoglycemia Overview
- Hypoglycemia Causes
- Hypoglycemia Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Questions to Ask the Doctor
- Exams and Tests
- Hypoglycemia Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Medications
- Surgery
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
- Viewer Comments: Hypoglycemia - Effective Treatments
Hypoglycemia Treatment
Self-Care at Home
A glucose monitor is available for people to check their own blood sugars in the comfort and privacy of their own home.
- This entails poking yourself on a fingertip or the forearm to get a drop of blood.
- The blood is transferred to a special strip of paper that is placed into the glucose meter (called a glucometer) which analyzes the blood. The meter gives a numeric reading that corresponds to the blood glucose level.
If you find someone who has the symptoms of hypoglycemia, look for clues that explain the symptoms.
- If the person has a recently disposed needle, you can presume that a change in their level of consciousness may be due to hypoglycemia. He or she may have accidentally taken too much insulin.
- If the person is awake enough to drink something, you can give them a cup of orange juice, cake icing, or water containing table sugar. If hypoglycemia was the cause of their confusion, they will improve within 5-10 minutes.
Next: Medical Treatment »
Viewer Comments & Reviews
Hypoglycemia - Effective Treatments
The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:
What kinds of treatments have been effective for your hypoglycemia?
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Hypoglycemia »
Hypoglycemia is a syndrome characterized by a reduction in plasma glucose concentration to a level that may induce symptoms of low blood sugar.
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