Safe & Effective Ways to Raise Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

Low blood sugar levels are usually more apt to occur with Type 1 diabetics, but Type 2 diabetics can experience lows, as well. When blood sugar levels fall below 50 milligrams per deciliter for men and 40 milligrams per deciliter for women, the patient can fall into a coma and death is possible. Raising blood sugar levels is a process that all diabetics and people who care for diabetics should understand.

Things You'll Need

• Glucometer or glucose meter
• Pure carbohydrates

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Instructions

• 1

  Know the signs of low blood sugar. Each person is different and should become aware of their own body signs. Some are dizzy, shaky, or nauseous. If you live with a diabetic, learn to recognize the signs. Some diabetics become quiet. Others will start to twitch. Some experience slurred speech.

• 2

  Take your blood sugar. If you are able to take your own blood sugar, do it immediately. If not, see that someone else takes your blood sugar using a glucometer. If your blood sugar is below 70 milligrams per deciliter, act quickly.

• 3

  Consume pure carbohydrates. It is important to eat pure carbohydrates. Good choices are 4 ounces of orange juice or soda, 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or maple syrup, 3 to 4 glucose tablets, 3 sugar packets, 2 tablespoons of raisins, or 1 tube of glucose gel.

• 4

  Recheck blood sugar. Wait 15 minutes and then recheck blood sugar. If the blood sugar is still below 70 mg/dL, repeat with pure carbohydrates again. If the blood sugar is above 70 mg/dL, eat a meal or a snack that contains both carbohydrates and protein.