Diabetes Type 2 and Hypoglycemia: Connection, Symptoms, Actions to Take
In the world of diabetes, maintaining a balanced blood glucose level is crucial. One condition that requires careful attention is hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Here's what you need to know about hypoglycemia in people with type 2 diabetes.
Hypoglycemia occurs when the level of glucose in the blood becomes insufficient. This can be a potential danger, especially for those with type 2 diabetes who may require insulin therapy. Doctors may refer to low blood sugar as an insulin reaction or insulin shock.
Common causes of hypoglycemia in people with type 2 diabetes include taking too much diabetes medication or insulin, skipping or delaying meals, eating too few carbohydrates, increased physical activity, alcohol consumption, especially on an empty stomach, and underlying kidney or liver diseases.
Skipping a meal can lead to a drop in blood glucose levels, as can consuming alcohol when one has not eaten for a while. Similarly, if a person is feeling nauseous or vomiting, they may not be consuming as much food as they usually would, which can also lead to lower blood glucose levels.
In severe hypoglycemia, a person can receive an injection of glucagon to raise their blood glucose level. Anyone who uses insulin should wear a medical pendant or bracelet to alert others that they may need help during emergencies such as hypoglycemia.
Individuals with type 2 diabetes should make a note of when and where a hypoglycemic episode happens and what happened as soon as they can, and inform a doctor of any hypoglycemic events they have experienced.
Preventing hypoglycemia requires careful management of medications, meal planning, and monitoring. Increasing physical activity can lower a person's blood glucose level for up to 24 hours after the activity. To counteract this, if the person's next meal is more than 1 hour away, they should also have a snack, such as crackers or fruit, to keep their blood sugar levels within their target range.
People with diabetes should let their family and friends know how to administer emergency glucagon. They should also consult a doctor about when and how to use an emergency glucagon kit and ensure it has not expired by checking the date.
Hypoglycemia can also occur in people who take other types of antidiabetic medications to reduce high blood sugar. In such cases, it's essential to follow the doctor's advice regarding medication dosage and meal planning.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) states that blood sugar levels can rise and fall naturally. However, if they drop below a certain level and a person does not manage their blood sugars, it can be dangerous. To combat this, the 15-15 rule can be used. This involves consuming 15 grams of carbohydrates and rechecking blood sugar levels after 15 minutes.
Examples of 15 grams of suitable carbohydrates include 4 glucose tablets, half a cup of fruit juice, half a can of soda, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons of raisins, or 1 tablespoon of honey.
In conclusion, understanding hypoglycemia and its causes is crucial for people with type 2 diabetes. By managing medications, meal planning, and monitoring blood sugar levels, one can significantly reduce the risk of hypoglycemic episodes. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice and guidance.
- Hypoglycemia, a condition where glucose levels in the blood become insufficient, is a potential danger for people with type 2 diabetes, who may require insulin therapy.
- Preventing hypoglycemia requires careful management of medications, meal planning, and monitoring, as skipping meals, consuming alcohol on an empty stomach, and increased physical activity can lead to low blood glucose levels.
- In severe hypoglycemia, an injection of glucagon can be administered to raise blood glucose levels. People with diabetes should let their family and friends know how to administer emergency glucagon.
- Type 2 diabetes patients should also be aware that hypoglycemia can occur with other antidiabetic medications used to reduce high blood sugar. Therefore, it's essential to follow the doctor's advice regarding medication dosage and meal planning.
