Hypoglycemia

Alternative names:

insulin shock; low blood sugar

Prevention:

Diabetics should follow their health care provider's advice regarding diet, medications, and exercise.

Pregnant diabetic women should maintain careful control of their blood sugar. Gestational diabetes is recognized by repeat testing of expectant mothers. Upon delivery, routine blood sugar levels are obtained from the infant until the period for hypoglycemia is past.

People who are known to experience hypoglycemia should keep a snack available at all times to take as soon as symptoms appear. If symptoms do not improve in 15 minutes, additional food should be eaten. A glucagon kit may be obtained by prescription for episodes of hypoglycemia that respond poorly to treatment.