It is essential to get treatment for hypoglycemia, which is characterized by the decrease of blood sugar levels also known as glucose, below normal range. The normal blood Glucose Levels in people who do not have diabetes: upon waking is 70 to 99 mg/dL and after meals is 70 to 140 mg/dL.

For those that have diabetes, the normal range before meals is 70 to 130mg/dl and 1 to 2 hours after the start of a meal below 180 mg/dL. The American Diabetes Association is a great resource for more information.

Hypoglycemia is most prevalent in people with diabetes. An episode will usually occur as a side effect to many diabetic medications. Proper medication dosage is crucial to maintain appropriate blood sugar levels.

Those with diabetes are instructed to test their levels with a glucose monitor several times a day to prevent abnormally low or high glucose levels. It can also be brought on by an improper diet or extreme physical activity.

Hypoglycemia can happen suddenly. It is usually mild and can be treated quickly and easily by eating or drinking a small amount of glucose-rich food. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include shakiness, anxiety, heart palpitations, sweating, dilated pupils, coldness, feeling of fainting, and clamminess. These symptoms are triggered by the loss of glucose that affects the brain.

As hypoglycemia continues, neurological symptoms may include difficulty speaking, slurred speech, fatigue, anxiety, lethargy, delirium, headache, stupor, abnormal breathing and finally, coma. Severe cases may also result in death.

Immediate Treatment for Hypoglycemia

Anyone experiencing a hypoglycemic episode should immediately be given 3 – 4 glucose tablets if available or ½ cup of fruit juice. Candy or a tablespoon of honey will also suffice to immediate raise their glucose levels. A glucose meter should always be used to ensure that the blood sugar level has risen above 70mg/dl.

For the most part, a mild case of hypoglycemia will be corrected with any of these stated methods.Someone that is experiencing a severe episode should be taken to an emergency room immediately. Medical intervention may be needed to raise their glucose levels to an acceptable range.In many cases, hypoglycemia is nothing to be concerned about. It can simply be the reaction of malnutrition or fasting.

Many people experience hypoglycemia without even knowing it. If it continues to be a problem, however, many people will seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause of the illness. An adjustment to their medication may be necessary as a preventive treatment for hypoglycemia.