Understanding Hypoglycemia & Type 2 Diabetes: Risk Factors & Symptoms

When glucose (sugar) in the blood is low in relation to the amount of insulin, the result is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Monitoring blood sugar is crucial for type 2 diabetics. It shouldn't fall below 70 milligrams per deciliter.

Causes

• Type 2 diabetes might require medication to boost insulin levels. Too much medication, decreased food intake, or exercising without eating enough will result in hypoglycemia.

Symptoms

• The National Institute of Mental Health lists cold sweats, confusion, convulsions, coma, double vision, fatigue, malaise, headache, hunger, irritability, nervousness, rapid heart rate and trembling as common symptoms of hypoglycemia.

Treatment

• Low blood sugar with type 2 diabetes can be resolved immediately by raising the blood sugar. Accomplish this by consuming something with high sugar content. If this is impossible because of the episode's severity, a glucogen injection or intravenous glucose may be necessary.

Considerations

• With type 2 diabetes, recurrent hypoglycemia may require the physician to adjustment medication or prescribe a glycogen kit for especially severe episodes.

Prevention/Solution

• During increased activity, prevent hypoglycemia by checking blood sugar and ingesting adequate food.