K.N.O.W. Home Health - HYPOGLYCEMIA

Patient Education: Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

What is Hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia means your blood sugar is lower than normal. For most people, this is when blood sugar drops below 70 mg/dL.

Your body needs sugar (glucose) for energy. When sugar is too low, your brain and body can’t work well.

Causes and Risk Factors

Hypoglycemia can happen if:

You take too much insulin or diabetes medicine.

You skip or delay meals.

You eat less than usual without adjusting your medication.

You exercise harder or longer than normal without eating enough.

You drink alcohol without eating.

You have certain health conditions that affect your liver, kidneys, or hormones.

You may be at higher risk if you:

Have diabetes and take insulin or certain diabetes pills.

Have had low blood sugar before.

Are elderly or very young.

Have kidney or liver problems.

Signs and Symptoms

Early warning signs:

Shakiness or trembling

Sweating

Feeling very hungry

Fast heartbeat

Anxiety or nervousness

Headache

Later symptoms (if sugar drops further):

Confusion

Trouble speaking

Blurred vision

Weakness

Dizziness

Passing out (loss of consciousness)

Seizures

Complications if Untreated or Patient Noncompliance

If low blood sugar is not treated quickly:

You may faint or have seizures.

You could be injured from a fall or accident.

Brain damage or death can occur in severe cases.

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

1. Check your blood sugar if you feel symptoms.

2. If it’s low (below 70 mg/dL), use the 15-15 Rule:

Eat or drink 15 grams of fast-acting sugar (like 4 ounces juice, regular soda, 3–4 glucose tablets, or 1 tablespoon honey).

Wait 15 minutes, check again. If still low, repeat.

3. Always carry quick sugar with you.

4. Wear a medical ID bracelet if you have diabetes.

5. Do not drive or operate machinery until sugar is normal.

Common Types of Medications and Their Purpose

Insulin – lowers blood sugar; needed in type 1 diabetes and sometimes type 2.

Sulfonylureas (e.g., glipizide, glyburide) – help your body release more insulin.

Meglitinides (e.g., repaglinide) – also help your body release insulin quickly.

Possible side effects:

Low blood sugar

Weight gain

Allergic reactions (rare)

Dietary Needs & Lifestyle Changes

Eat meals and snacks at regular times.

Include protein, healthy fats, and fiber to help keep blood sugar steady.

Limit alcohol or always have food with it.

Avoid skipping meals.

Exercise regularly, but plan snacks if activity is longer or harder.

Safety Considerations

Keep glucose tablets or snacks with you at all times.

Tell family, friends, and co-workers what to do if you pass out.

Store insulin and diabetes medicines properly.

Teach someone how to use a glucagon emergency injection if prescribed.

Prevention & Maintenance Tips

Check blood sugar regularly.

Adjust medication and food with activity changes.

Keep a log of your readings, meals, and symptoms.

Learn your personal low blood sugar warning signs.

When to Call for Help

Call your Home Health Nurse or Doctor if:

You have frequent low blood sugars.

You are unsure why your sugar is low.

You are having trouble adjusting your diet or medicines.

Go to the Emergency Room or Call 911 if:

You faint, have a seizure, or can’t swallow.

You feel confused and can’t treat yourself.

Someone finds you unresponsive.

Patient Homework / Assessment

Instructions: Read each statement. Write True if it is correct. Write False if it is not correct, and fix the false statements to make them right.

1. True/False: Hypoglycemia means your blood sugar is too high.

2. True/False: Symptoms of early hypoglycemia can include shakiness, sweating, and hunger.

3. True/False: You should treat low blood sugar with 15 grams of fast-acting sugar, then recheck in 15 minutes.

4. True/False: Passing out can happen if hypoglycemia is not treated.

5. True/False: Skipping meals can cause hypoglycemia.

6. True/False: Alcohol can affect your blood sugar and cause it to go low.

7. True/False: You should wait several hours before treating low blood sugar to be sure it is real.

8. True/False: Carrying glucose tablets or candy can help treat low blood sugar quickly.

9. True/False: Confusion and blurry vision can be signs of low blood sugar.

10. True/False: You should not drive until your blood sugar is back to normal after a low episode.

11. True/False: Some diabetes medicines can cause low blood sugar as a side effect.

12. True/False: A medical ID bracelet can help others know how to help you in an emergency.

13. True/False: Exercise always raises blood sugar, so you do not need to plan snacks.

14. True/False: Glucagon is a medicine used for very low blood sugar when you cannot eat or drink.

15. True/False: Checking your blood sugar regularly can help prevent hypoglycemia.

16. True/False: If you feel shaky and sweaty, it’s okay to ignore it and see if it goes away.

17. True/False: Eating regular meals with protein, healthy fat, and fiber can help prevent lows.

18. True/False: Fainting, seizures, or brain damage are possible if low blood sugar is not treated.

19. True/False: You should tell friends and family what to do if your blood sugar goes dangerously low.

20. True/False: If you cannot swallow and are alone, you should call your doctor’s office.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Individualized Follow-Up Questions

1. What is your usual blood sugar goal range?

2. What blood sugar reading is considered too low for you?

3. What are your latest lab results for:

Hemoglobin A1C (goal: usually less than 7% unless told otherwise)

Fasting blood sugar

4. Which medications are you taking to control your blood sugar?

5. What are your personal warning signs of low blood sugar?

6. What snacks or treatments do you keep with you for low blood sugar?

7. Do you have a glucagon kit? If yes, who knows how to use it?

8. How often do you check your blood sugar each day? Follow-Up Questions