Features

• Hypoglycemia can strike quickly, but if left untreated can cause confusion, fainting, seizures, coma and possibly death.
  
  

Considerations

• For diabetics, a blood sugar level reading below 70 mg/dL can be considered hypoglycemia and it can be caused by a side-effect of diabetes medication, skipping meals, overexertion or large amounts of alcohol.
  
  

Treatment

• A mild bout of Hypoglycemia can be treated by eating a small amount of glucose-rich food such as a teaspoon of honey or 40 oz. of fruit juice. The blood sugar should be tested to ensure that it is above 70 mg/dL.
  
  Eating frequent, small meals of high fiber, low fat and complex carbohydrates and lean proteins; lowering sugar, soda and chocolate intake; and increasing fresh fruits and vegetables; and daily exercise can help prevent hypoglycemia symptoms from occurring.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Work with your doctor to adjust diabetes medications, carefully plan meals, monitor physical activities, alcohol intake and blood sugar levels.
  
  

Warning

• Hypoglycemia can be dangerous when it occurs while someone is driving. Testing your blood sugar before driving and eating frequent small snacks can help prevent this disorder.