Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Published : August 11, 2016 2:56 PM IST
Unlike diabetes or high blood glucose, hypoglycaemia or low blood glucose is not quite common. But it is equally dangerous. Hypoglycaemia can lead to brain damage. In some cases, even diabetics experience a sudden drop in the blood glucose level after taking insulin or taking medications for diabetes. When the blood glucose level falls below 80mg/dl, it indicates hypoglycaemia and is characterised by sweating and loss of consciousness. If you experience symptoms of hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar, here is what you need to do according to Dr Pradeep Gadge, diabetologist, Shreya Diabetes Centre, Mumbai.
Check blood sugar: If a person becomes unconscious or shows any symptoms of low blood sugar, check the blood glucose with the help of a glucometer. If the reading is 80 mg/dl or low, then make the person lie down on a flat surface. Make the patient close the eyes and breathe for few seconds, till the patient feels healthy. Here's how to read your medical test report -- blood glucose tests
Have sugar: Feed glucose in any form, be it sugar or any sugary drinks to improve the blood glucose level. Make the patient chew a few sugar granules or chocolates as it gets quickly absorbed by the body and helps in increasing the blood sugar within a few minutes. If the patient is not able to chew, then make her drink a glass of sugar solution (sugar in a glass of water), fruit juice or chocolate drinks.
Consult a doctor: Do not wait till the blood sugar falls to 60 mg/dl or low. As soon as the person feels conscious, go to a doctor immediately to get treated. If the blood glucose level has dropped severely or the patient is still unconscious, take her to any nearest hospital and get the insulin injection. Don't go to a doctor whose clinic is far away as delay in getting treatment can result in an even further fall in the blood sugar which can lead to brain damage and other serious complications. Hence, always take the patient to the nearest clinic or hospital immediately, says Dr Pradeep Gadge.
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