Hypoglycemia in a Person with Diabetes
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
Hypoglycemia is a serious condition that happens when your blood glucose (sugar) level drops too low. The blood sugar level is usually too high in a person with diabetes, but the level can also drop too low. It is important to follow your diabetes management plan to keep your blood sugar level steady.
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Informed consent
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
An IV
is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.
Glucose:
You may be given glucose tables or a food or drink with carbohydrate if you have low blood sugar. This will help bring your blood sugar level back up.
Nutrition:
A dietitian will plan your meals and snacks while you are in the hospital. You will be given foods that are low in sugar, fat, and cholesterol. A dietitian may also help you to develop a meal plan that you can follow at home.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Medicines:
- Glucagon is medicine that helps to increase your blood sugar level if you cannot eat or drink a source of glucose. It is often given as a shot.
- Glucose may be given in your IV if you cannot eat or drink a source of glucose. You may also need glucose if you were given glucagon and your blood sugar level still did not return to normal.
Tests:
Blood glucose tests may be checked 3 times a day or more. This is usually done before meals and at bedtime.
RISKS:
Hypoglycemia needs immediate treatment. Even after treatment, hypoglycemia can happen again. You may have a seizure. Hypoglycemia can be life-threatening if it is not treated.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Hypoglycemia in a Person with Diabetes
- Diabetes Medications and Alcohol Interactions
- FDA-Approved Weight Loss Drugs: Can They Help You?
- OneTouch Blood Glucose Meters
- Top 10 Diabetes Treatments You May Have Missed
- What is Insulin Resistance?
- Which Drugs Cause Weight Gain?
Treatment options
- Medications for Diabetes Mellitus
- Medications for Diabetes, Type 1
- Medications for Diabetes, Type 2
- Medications for Hypoglycemia
Care guides
- Diabetic Gastroparesis
- Diabetic Hyperglycemia
- Hypoglycemia in a Person with Diabetes
- Non-Diabetic Hypoglycemia in Childhood
Symptoms and treatments
Medicine.com guides (external)
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
