Managing Blood Sugar: Hospital Treatments For Drops

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is a condition that occurs when blood sugar (glucose) levels drop below the healthy range. It is common in people with diabetes, especially Type 1 diabetes, and can be caused by certain medications, skipping meals, or excessive exercise. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include shaking, sweating, extreme hunger, dizziness, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness. Treatment for low blood sugar aims to raise glucose levels quickly, often by consuming fast-acting carbohydrates and following the 15-15 rule: consuming 15 grams of carbohydrates, waiting 15 minutes, and rechecking blood sugar levels. If levels remain low, repeat the process. Severe hypoglycemia may require emergency medical treatment and injection of glucagon, a hormone that increases blood sugar. Preventative measures include frequent monitoring of blood sugar, adjusting medication and meal timings, and maintaining a balanced diet with physical activity.

How does a hospital treat blood sugar drops?

Understanding the causes of blood sugar drops

Several factors can contribute to blood sugar drops, and understanding these triggers is vital for prevention and treatment. One significant cause is the use of certain medications, especially insulin and other diabetes drugs. People with diabetes who take insulin or specific medications to control their blood sugar may experience hypoglycemia. This risk is heightened for those with a history of low blood sugar levels. It is important to take medications exactly as prescribed and consult a healthcare provider about adjusting insulin doses, especially on days with increased physical activity.

Physical activity and exercise can also lead to decreases in blood sugar levels. During exercise, the body's demand for glucose as an energy source increases, resulting in lowered blood sugar. While exercise is an effective way to lower high blood sugar, intense or strenuous physical activity can sometimes cause a brief spike in blood sugar levels due to the body's stress response. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor blood sugar levels before, during, and after exercise, especially for individuals with diabetes.

Additionally, dietary factors play a crucial role in blood sugar management. Skipping meals or delaying meals after taking medication can cause blood sugar drops. Eating high-protein snacks or drinking water can help lower blood sugar levels. However, it is important to note that consuming foods high in fibre or fat, such as fruits, beans, lentils, chocolate, and baked goods, may slow down the absorption of sugars, affecting blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is recommended to have easily accessible sources of fast-acting sugars, such as juice or specific candies, to treat low blood sugar quickly.

Finally, individual factors, such as age, weight, and variations in healthy glucose levels, also influence blood sugar management. Consulting with a healthcare provider is essential to determine the best range for an individual's blood sugar levels and to develop a personalised management plan that considers these factors. Understanding these causes of blood sugar drops empowers individuals and healthcare providers to make informed decisions about treatment and prevention strategies, ensuring better blood sugar control and overall health outcomes.

The 15-15 rule for treating low blood sugar

The 15-15 rule is a strategy to treat mild hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels drop below the healthy range, which is usually below 70 mg/dL. This can be life-threatening and requires immediate treatment.

The 15-15 rule is a simple process to swiftly treat low blood sugar. It involves consuming 15 grams of simple carbohydrates, which can be in the form of glucose tablets, fruit juice, honey, or sugar dissolved in water. After consuming the carbohydrates, one should wait 15 minutes before testing their blood sugar levels again. If the blood sugar is still below the target range, the process can be repeated until the blood sugar is back within the desired range. It is important to note that the 15-15 rule is not suitable for treating severe hypoglycemia, which is when blood sugar levels drop below 55 mg/dL. In such cases, medical attention should be sought, and a glucagon injection may be required.

The 15-15 rule is a helpful tool for people with diabetes, who are more likely to experience low blood sugar due to their medication and the difficulty in regulating blood sugar. By following this rule, people with diabetes can safely increase their blood sugar levels when they drop outside their target range. Additionally, it is important for individuals with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly and be aware of the symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as shakiness, confusion, and lightheadedness.

To prevent low blood sugar episodes, individuals with diabetes should take their medications as prescribed, follow their healthcare provider's instructions about food and exercise, and use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to check their blood sugar levels regularly. Keeping a record of low blood sugar episodes can also help identify patterns and make adjustments to prevent future episodes.

Adjusting medication and meal plans

Medication Adjustments:

• Consult a Healthcare Professional: Discuss your medication routine with your doctor or healthcare provider. They may suggest adjustments to your medication dosage or timing to prevent low blood sugar episodes. Do not make any changes to your medication without medical advice.
• Insulin Management: If you use insulin, consult your healthcare provider about reducing insulin doses on days you engage in physical activity. They can guide you on adjusting insulin based on your exercise routine and overall health status.
• Glucagon Injection: Speak to your doctor about obtaining a glucagon injection kit, especially if you experience severe low blood sugar episodes. Glucagon is a hormone that increases blood sugar levels rapidly. Ensure your family and friends know how to administer glucagon in an emergency.

Meal Plan Adjustments:

• Carbohydrate Counting: Carb counting is a valuable tool for individuals with diabetes. It involves balancing carbohydrate intake with insulin levels to maintain blood sugar within a healthy range. Consult a dietitian or diabetes educator to determine the appropriate amount of carbohydrates for your meals and snacks.
• Frequent Meals: Discuss with your healthcare provider whether you should adjust your meal frequency. Skipping meals can lead to low blood sugar, especially if your insulin doses are high. They may recommend smaller, more frequent meals to help stabilise blood sugar levels.
• Bedtime Snacks: Consult your healthcare provider about having a bedtime snack to prevent nocturnal hypoglycaemia. Protein-rich snacks may be recommended to sustain blood sugar levels throughout the night.
• Fast-Acting Sugars: Ensure you always have access to fast-acting sugar sources, such as glucose tablets or gels, fruit juice, or regular soda. These can help raise your blood sugar quickly during a hypoglycaemic episode.
• Alcohol Consumption: Limit alcohol intake and always consume it with food. Alcohol can interfere with blood sugar levels and make hypoglycaemia more likely, especially if consumed on an empty stomach.

Remember, it is essential to work closely with your healthcare team when adjusting medication and meal plans. They will provide personalised advice based on your medical history, diabetes type, and other factors. Additionally, regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels and keeping a log of hypoglycaemic episodes can help you and your healthcare providers identify patterns and make informed adjustments to your medication and meal plans.

Glucagon injections for severe cases

Glucagon injections are used to treat severe cases of low blood sugar in diabetes patients who are treated with insulin and have passed out or cannot ingest sugar orally. It is an emergency medicine that requires a doctor's prescription. After receiving a glucagon injection, the patient should regain consciousness within 15 minutes. If they do not respond, a second dose may be administered. It is important to call emergency services and seek further medical attention after the injection.

The patient should be placed on their side after the injection, as glucagon can cause vomiting, and this position will prevent choking. Their blood sugar levels should be checked 15 minutes after treatment. If their blood sugar is still below 70 mg/dL, they should be given another dose of glucagon or quickly absorbed carbohydrates, such as glucose gel or corn syrup.

Once the patient is conscious and able to swallow, they should be given a form of sugar, such as fruit juice, honey, or sugar dissolved in water. It is important to monitor their blood sugar levels for about 3 to 4 hours after they regain consciousness, checking their blood sugar every hour. If nausea and vomiting persist, preventing the patient from swallowing sugar, medical assistance should be sought.

Glucagon injections are a crucial emergency treatment for severe hypoglycemia, but they are not a substitute for proper diabetes management and preventative measures. It is important for patients to work closely with their healthcare providers to understand and address the underlying causes of their low blood sugar episodes. This may include adjusting medication timing, dietary habits, and exercise routines to maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent future hypoglycemic episodes.

Preventing low blood sugar

Monitor your blood sugar levels

Use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or check your blood sugar regularly, including before and after meals, before and after exercise, and before bed. Monitoring your blood sugar levels can help you notice trends and adjust before your blood sugar drops too low. If you notice that your blood sugar is getting low, eat something to help your blood sugar level rise.

Take medications as prescribed

Take all your medications exactly as prescribed. Do not make any changes to your medications without talking to your doctor. If you are taking insulin, check your blood sugar at least 15 minutes after taking it to ensure that it is not dropping too low.

Adjust your diet and exercise routines

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about food and exercise. Balancing carbohydrates and insulin can help keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range. Carb counting is a useful tool for people with diabetes. Eating a balanced meal with protein and carbohydrates after treating low blood sugar can help prevent future lows. Exercise can also be an effective way to lower blood sugar levels, but it is important to check your blood sugar before exercising, as strenuous activity can briefly increase blood sugar levels.

Educate your support network

It is important that friends, family, and other people you are often around know how to help if your blood sugar drops. They should know the symptoms of low blood sugar, how to test your blood sugar, what to do if needed, and when to call for emergency help. If you have a glucagon injection kit, make sure they know how to use it and where it is stored.

Frequently asked questions