Diabetes is a life-long condition whereby an individual’s body lacks the proper mechanism to regulate blood glucose levels. The result is either blood sugar levels rise or fall below optimal levels.Type 2 diabetes or hyperglycemia I a condition whereby the resistance causes blood glucose levels to rise higher than normal.This type of diabetes is by far the most common.
Being sure you know the proper steps for dealing with high blood sugar is as important as knowing how fast your medicine will work to bring your blood sugar down. Some types of work fast in bringing down glucose levels while regular takes a little longer to bring the sugar level down. Knowing how fast your works will keep you from using too much too quickly.
On the other hand, Type 1 diabetes, previously known as juvenile diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no , a hormone needed to allow glucose to enter cells and be metabolized to produce energy. Having type 1 diabetes means that an individual can have low blood sugar levels and will therefore need to keep some types of food that can quickly raise the blood sugar levels closely at hand at all times. Parents need to help their child learn to treat a low blood sugar level. Pregnant women who have gestational diabetes also need to know how to deal with a low blood sugar level.
These should be quick-sugar foods; about 15 grams of carbohydrates. It is advisable to check your blood sugar level again 15 minutes after eating a quick-sugar (carbohydrate) food to make sure your level is getting back to your target range.If you continue to have low blood sugar, take another 15 grams of carbohydrate. When your blood sugar gets to 70 mg/dL or higher, you can eat your normal meals and snacks. Eat a small snack if your next meal or snack is more than a few hours away.
Common foods known to help raise blood sugar are as follows
- Glucose tablets: 3-4 tablets
- Glucose gel 1 tube
- Table sugar 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons)
- Fruit juice or regular soda pop
- Fat-free milk 1 cup (8 ounces)
- Honey 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons)
- Jellybeans 10-15
- Raisins 2 tablespoons
- Gum drops 10
- Candy like Life Savers: 5-7 pieces
- Hard candy (like Jolly Rancher): 3 pieces
It is important to note that sugary foods like candy bars and ice cream do not help raise low blood sugar levels quickly. This is because these foods also have fat and protein. The body can’t use the sugar (carbohydrates) in these foods to quickly and efficiently raise the blood sugar levels in the shortest time possible.
You can get low blood sugar from using too much or from other medicines you take, genetic pre-disposition and contact with some types of viruses.Since low blood sugar levels can quickly become a medical emergency, be sure to wear medical identification, such as a medical alert bracelet, to let people know you have diabetes so they can get help for you.
If you have severe symptoms of low blood sugar, someone else may need to give you a shot of glucagon. If this occurs, be sure to call your doctor immediately to let him or her know this has happened.
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Posted on May 22, 2023