Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia (also low blood sugar): Hypoglycemia is abnormally low blood glucose. The most commonly used cutoffs (from the ADA): Level 1 hypoglycemia is glucose under 70 mg/dL; Level 2 is under 54 mg/dL; Level 3 is severe hypoglycemia requiring assistance from another person.

Causes

For people on insulin or sulfonylureas, common causes include taking too much insulin for the meal eaten, exercise without dose adjustment, alcohol, and delayed or skipped meals. Over-counted carbs (counting more than were actually eaten) is a frequent insulin-dosing trigger.

Symptoms

Shakiness, sweating, racing heart, irritability, hunger, headache, confusion, blurred vision. Severe hypoglycemia can cause loss of consciousness.

Treatment

The "Rule of 15" — eat 15g of fast-acting carbs (juice, glucose tabs, regular soda), wait 15 minutes, recheck. Repeat if still under 70 mg/dL. Severe hypoglycemia requires glucagon (injectable, nasal, or pre-mixed pen) and 911.