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The Question
10/15/09 06:35 PM

"I have been having really low episodes lately. how do i determine how much glucose to take to restore to a normal level? Is there a ratio?"
Asked By: rtorbett  
Category: Blood Glucose Monitoring

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Expert Answers (1)

10/16/09 11:56 PM

Low blood glucose or Hypoglycemia is defined as having blood glucose levels below 70mg/dL with or without symptoms. The most common signs and symptoms are weakness, fatigue, lighheadedness, sweating, shakiness, and irritability. The treatment is called the 15/15 rule. That is, you test your BG and if it's low you eat or drink 15 grams of Carbs which could be 1/2 cup of juice (any flavor), or 1/2 cup regular soda or pop, or 5-6 candies or caramels (not chocolates) or 3-4 glucose tablets. These last ones are sold over the counter, at any pharmacy in the diabetes section. After consuming 15 grams of carbs, you wait 15 minutes and retest your BG. If it's still low, you repeat the process until your BG is normal (above 70). If your next meal is still more than an hour away after this, eat a snack. Monitoring frequently and not skipping meals or waiting too long between meals is crucial to prevent hypoglycemia.
Answered By: Sonia Angel
Accreditations: MS, RD, CDE
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