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Hypoglycaemia
Hypoglycaemia can occur in people with diabetes who take certain medications to keep their blood glucose levels in control. Usually hypoglycaemia is mild and can be treated quite easily by taking something sweet. But left untreated, hypoglycaemia can lead to loss of consciousness. Although hypoglycaemia can happen suddenly, it can usually be treated quickly, bringing your blood glucose level back to normal.
Symptoms of Hypoglycaemia
Hypoglycaemia symptoms include
- hunger
- nervousness and shakiness
- perspiration
- dizziness or light-headedness
- sleepiness
- confusion
- difficulty in speaking
- feeling anxious or weak
If left untreated, it may progress to drowsiness and even a complete loss of consciousness.
When hypoglycaemia occurs late at night or early in the morning, while patient is asleep, it may be unrecognized and the patient stays unarousable the next day. Some diabetics have sweating in the middle of the night as sign of hypoglycaemia.
Hypoglycaemia - Preventive Measure and Treatment
The first step of preventing hypoglycaemia is the knowledge of its symptoms before coma sets in. If available, a blood sugar test should be performed to determine the actual blood sugar level in order to establish the presence of hypoglycaemia (that is, less than 50 mg/dl or 2.9mmol/l).
A patient may be drowsy and unable to recognize the symptoms. Thus, it is necessary to equip close relative or friends and even colleague to recognize the symptoms of hypoglycaemia and initiate early treatment.
Hypoglycaemia treatment includes taking something sweet, for example, sweets or a sweetened drink. If early treatment fails, seek for a doctor immediately.
It is also recommended that all diabetics should carry on themselves a identification tags, cards or bracelets to inform others that they are diabetic.
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