Function

• Normal blood sugar levels are between 70 mg/dl and 120 mg/dl (milligrams of sugar to deciliters of blood). Blood sugar levels below 70 mg/dl result in hypoglycemia, while blood sugar levels above 120 mg/dl normal result in hyperglycemia.
  
  The onset of hypoglycemia can happen slowly or quickly, although hypoglycemic episodes are relatively mild and can be corrected quickly by drinking a glass of juice or soda. Symptoms of hypoglycemia are shakiness, sweating, confusion, shortness of breath and even fainting. The problem is that different people will start to feel and exhibit these symptoms at different blood sugar levels. While one person may start to feel shaky when his blood sugar levels reach 60 mg/dl, another person might not feel the same way until her blood sugar levels are 40 mg/dl.
  
  When the blood sugar dips to 50 mg/dl or lower, treatment should consist of drinking a glass of juice or soda followed up by some carbohydrates and protein, such as a peanut butter sandwich or candy bar. The sugar in the juice is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, but does not last very long. The protein/carbohydrate takes a while to get into the bloodstream, but is a little more substantial. People suffering from hypoglycemia should test their blood sugar every 15 minutes until their sugar levels return to normal.
  
  Glucose tablets should be kept with anyone who suffers from hypoglycemia. It is a chewable tablet of concentrated glucose that can take the place of juice or soda in a pinch.
  
  

Emergencies

• Sometimes despite taking in juice and other foods, the blood sugar levels continue to dip. If the hypoglycemic is unconscious and unable to eat or drink anything, there are alternatives. Glucose gel is also available at the local pharmacy. It is a small tube of concentrated glucose, very similar to the small tubes of cake icing available. Simply put some of the glucose gel onto your finger and rub it on the inside of the hypoglycemic's cheek. Cake frosting will also work in this situation.
  
  If the patient is still unconscious and perhaps going into seizures, emergency aid should be called and the patient can be administered an injection. Diabetics and other people who suffer from hypoglycemia generally carry an injectable form of glucose called glucagon.