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The Question
04/05/09 09:32 PM

"what causes low blood sugar?"
Asked By: zacky54321  
Category: Heart Disease and Diabetes

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Expert Answers (1)

04/18/09 08:57 PM

Hello, Low blood glucose or low blood sugar (also called hypoglycemia), occurs when blood glucose drops below normal levels. Hypoglycemia can occur as a side effect of some diabetes medications, including insulin and oral diabetes medications—pills—that increase insulin production. Not eating enough food or increase physical activity can also contribute to hypoglycemia. When people think their blood glucose is too low, they should check their blood glucose level with a blood sample using a blood glucose meter. If the level is below 70 mg/dL, they should treat the hypoglycemia with some quick-fix foods right away to raise their blood glucose. These foods include • 3 or 4 glucose tablets • 1 serving of glucose gel—the amount equal to 15 grams of carbohydrate • 1/2 cup, or 4 ounces, of any fruit juice • 1/2 cup, or 4 ounces, of a regular—not diet—soft drink • 1 cup, or 8 ounces, of skim milk • 5 or 6 pieces of hard candy • 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. If the blood glucose levels are consistently low, the doctor needs to be contacted. It might be time to review and modify the treatment plan. Additional information on low blood sugar: http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/hypoglycemia/ Take care.
Answered By: Liz Quintana
Accreditations: EdD, RD, LD, CDE
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