Are You Making These 3 Mistakes After a Low Blood Sugar Event?

Experiencing a low blood sugar event, also known as hypoglycemia, can be scary and uncomfortable. Whether you have diabetes or another condition that causes your blood sugar to drop, knowing how to respond is crucial. However, many people, even those who manage their condition closely, can inadvertently make mistakes in the recovery process. These mistakes can lead to prolonged instability, rebound hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), or even repeated hypoglycemic episodes. This article will outline three common errors people make after a low blood sugar incident and provide guidance on how to avoid them.

The Dangers of Untreated Hypoglycemia and Importance of Correct Management

Hypoglycemia occurs when the glucose (sugar) level in your blood drops too low, usually below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L). This can happen for various reasons, including:

• Diabetes Management: Taking too much insulin or oral diabetes medication, skipping meals, or excessive exercise.
• Other Medical Conditions: Kidney disorders, liver diseases, certain tumors, or hormonal deficiencies.
• Medications: Some medications, such as quinine, can affect blood sugar levels.
• Lifestyle Factors: Alcohol consumption, especially on an empty stomach.

Left untreated, severe hypoglycemia can lead to serious complications, including:

• Seizures
• Loss of Consciousness
• Brain Damage
• Coma
• Death

Proper management after a low blood sugar event is, therefore, critical, not only to quickly restore blood glucose levels but also to prevent future episodes and maintain overall health. Recognizing and avoiding the following three common mistakes can make a significant difference.

Mistake #1: Overcorrecting with Excessive Carbohydrates

The immediate response to hypoglycemia should always be to raise your blood sugar level back to a safe range. This typically involves consuming a fast-acting carbohydrate source, such as glucose tablets, fruit juice, or regular soda. However, a prevalent error is consuming too many carbs in an attempt to "overshoot" the target.

Why this is a problem:

While the intention might be to avoid another low blood sugar episode soon after, overcorrecting with excessive carbohydrates can lead to rebound hyperglycemia. This sudden spike in blood sugar can be equally detrimental, causing symptoms like:

• Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination
• Blurred Vision
• Fatigue
• Headaches

Furthermore, frequent cycles of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia make it difficult to achieve stable blood sugar control, potentially increasing the risk of long-term complications associated with diabetes.

How to avoid it:

1. Follow the 15/15 Rule: When you experience low blood sugar, consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates.
2. Wait 15 Minutes and Recheck: After 15 minutes, check your blood sugar level. If it's still below 70 mg/dL, consume another 15 grams of carbs.
3. Repeat as Needed: Continue this process until your blood sugar rises above 70 mg/dL.
4. Avoid Giving In To Urges: Fight the urge to eat extra carbohydrates, even if you feel hungry after a hypoglycemia.

Here’s a table providing examples of 15-gram carbohydrate portions:

| Food Source | Serving Size | | --------------------------- | ------------------------ | | Glucose Tablets | 3-4 tablets | | Fruit Juice (Orange/Apple) | 4 ounces (120 ml) | | Regular Soda | 4 ounces (120 ml) | | Hard Candies | 3-4 pieces | | Raisins | 2 tablespoons | | Honey or Sugar | 1 tablespoon |

Example Scenario:

Jane feels a low blood sugar coming on while working. She tests, and her blood sugar is 65 mg/dL. Instead of grabbing a large snack, she eats 3 glucose tablets (approximately 15g carbs). After 15 minutes, she rechecks and it's now 80 mg/dL. She feels much better and can avoid the roller coaster that could be caused by taking too much snack.

Mistake #2: Forgetting to Follow Up with a Protein and Complex Carbohydrate Snack

Once you've corrected the low blood sugar event with fast-acting carbs, it's equally important to follow up with a snack that contains protein and complex carbohydrates. This helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent another drop. Many people, however, make the mistake of stopping at the initial fast-acting treatment and forget about the follow-up snack.

Why this is a problem:

Fast-acting carbohydrates are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, providing a rapid blood sugar boost. However, their effect is short-lived. Without a source of sustained energy, blood sugar levels can plummet again, leading to another episode of hypoglycemia. This can be especially dangerous if it occurs during sleep or when you're not able to recognize the symptoms.

How to avoid it:

1. Plan Ahead: Have a pre-prepared snack readily available for post-hypoglycemia recovery.
2. Choose a Balanced Snack: Select a snack containing a combination of protein and complex carbohydrates, such as:
   • A handful of nuts with a piece of whole-wheat toast.
   • Greek yogurt with berries and a sprinkle of granola.
   • Peanut butter on apple slices.
   • Cheese and whole-grain crackers.
3. Consume Within 30-60 Minutes: Eat the follow-up snack within 30 to 60 minutes after treating the low blood sugar.

Example Scenario:

After Jane had her glucose tabs, as mentioned above, she made herself a slice of whole-wheat bread topped with a tablespoon of natural peanut butter. The protein and complex carbohydrates in peanut butter and bread would help stabilize her blood sugar levels over a longer period and give a sustained release.

Importance of Protein & Complex Carbohydrates in Stabilizing Blood Sugar: Why Is My Fasting Blood Sugar High In The Morning

| Nutrient | Benefit | | ---------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Protein | Slows down glucose absorption, prevents rapid spikes and drops, promotes satiety. | | Complex Carbohydrates | Provides sustained energy release, maintains stable blood sugar levels for longer duration. |

Considerations for People on Insulin:

It's also crucial to monitor blood glucose levels more frequently following a hypoglycemic episode, especially for people who take insulin. According to the American Diabetes Association, those prone to hypoglycemia might benefit from continuous glucose monitoring systems to track trends and patterns, further reducing their risk of hypoglycemia recurrence.

Mistake #3: Not Identifying and Addressing the Underlying Cause

Treating the immediate symptoms of hypoglycemia is important, but it's equally crucial to investigate and address the root cause of the low blood sugar event. Ignoring the underlying cause can lead to recurring episodes and make it difficult to effectively manage your blood sugar in the long run. Understanding Your Blood Sugar Range For Type 2 Diabetes

Why this is a problem:

If you don't understand why your blood sugar dropped in the first place, you're more likely to repeat the same behaviors or situations that triggered the episode. This can lead to frequent hypoglycemic events, impacting your quality of life and potentially increasing the risk of long-term health complications.

How to avoid it:

1. Reflect on the Events Leading Up to the Episode: Ask yourself questions like:
   • Did I skip a meal or delay eating?
   • Did I take too much insulin or diabetes medication?
   • Did I engage in more physical activity than usual?
   • Did I consume alcohol, especially on an empty stomach?
   • Am I experiencing stress or changes in my routine?
2. Track Your Blood Sugar Patterns: Keep a log of your blood sugar readings, food intake, activity levels, and medication dosages. This can help you identify trends and patterns that contribute to hypoglycemia.
3. Consult Your Healthcare Provider: If you're experiencing frequent or severe low blood sugar episodes, schedule an appointment with your doctor or a certified diabetes educator. They can help you:
   • Review your medication regimen and make adjustments if needed.
   • Develop a personalized meal plan that fits your lifestyle and blood sugar goals.
   • Learn strategies for managing your blood sugar during exercise.
   • Identify and address any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to hypoglycemia.

Example Scenario:

After her episode, Jane reflects on her blood glucose event. She realizes that she had been really busy and she skipped lunch! Even though she took her medications as prescribed, she didn't realize how much energy she was burning when she missed her meal. With this new insight, she knows how to keep her glucose in range going forward. The Ultimate Guide To Lowering Your A1C For Type 2 Diabetes

Specific Questions to Discuss with Your Healthcare Provider:

| Question | Importance | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | "Is my current medication dosage appropriate for my activity level and diet?" | Ensures proper balance between medication and lifestyle factors, minimizing risk of hypoglycemia. | | "What are the early warning signs of hypoglycemia specific to me?" | Enables early detection and prompt intervention to prevent severe episodes. | | "Should I consider a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)?" | Provides real-time glucose data, enabling better management and reducing hypoglycemia risk, particularly beneficial for those with frequent episodes. | | "What should I do if I experience hypoglycemia while exercising?" | Crucial for maintaining safety during physical activity, preventing exercise-induced hypoglycemia. |

Taking Control of Your Blood Sugar Management

Avoiding these three common mistakes – overcorrecting with excessive carbs, forgetting the follow-up snack, and failing to identify the root cause – is essential for effectively managing hypoglycemia and maintaining stable blood sugar levels. By taking proactive steps to address both the immediate symptoms and the underlying causes of low blood sugar, you can significantly reduce your risk of future episodes and improve your overall health and well-being. Remember, proper blood sugar management is a continuous process that requires attention, education, and collaboration with your healthcare team. By implementing these strategies, you can take control of your health and live a full and active life.