Diabetes Self-Management Education

What Should I Look for as Symptoms of Low Sugar?

If I Have Those Symptoms, What Should I Do?

First, test your blood sugar for the actual level.

If your BG is <60 treat with one of the following (contains 15 grams of glucose):

• 2 to 3 glucose tablets or glucose gels 
• 4 oz (1/2 cup) of juice
• 10 oz of skim milk  
• 6 oz of REGULAR soda/coke
• 8 Lifesavers (chewed up)
• 4 teaspoons of white table sugar 
• Some patients may need a glucagon injection

Wait 15 min. and retest your blood sugar. If still <60 retreat with one of the above treatment options.

Foods You Should NOT Use to Bring Up Your Blood Sugar

• Candy bars
• Chocolate
• Ice cream

After I Get My Blood Sugar Back Up, What Should I Do?

Eat either a snack or a meal (if it is time for a meal)

If a meal is <30 min to 1 hour away, the snack needs to include a carbohydrate source.

Examples:

• Five crackers 
• Piece of fruit
• Slice of bread

If a meal is > 1 hour away, the snack needs to include a carbohydrate and a protein source 

Examples:

• Five crackers and low fat cheese 
• Half of a ham or turkey sandwich 
• Five crackers and peanut butter
• Half of a ham or turkey sandwich 
• Cup of milk and crackers or cereal

How Can I Prevent Low Blood Sugar?

• Eat at scheduled meal times
• Eat consistent amounts/portions 
• Eat consistent types of foods (carbohydrate, protein, fat) 
• Avoid skipping meals when possible 
• Take medicines on time 
• Be consistent with exercise/activity levels 
• Plan ahead if you know your routine/schedule will be different  
• Consider adding routine snacks to diet if needed based on blood sugar pattern

What Should I Look for as Symptoms of High Blood Sugar?

• Increased thirst
• Increased hunger
• Increased urination
• Blurry vision
• Fatigue
• Weakness

If I Have These Symptoms, What Should I Do?

Avoid sugary foods and beverages.

Examples:

• Regular sodas
• Cakes, cookies, pies
• Chocolate, candy bars
• Ice cream, milk shakes

Take medicines as directed.

Based on your readings and your plan with your doctor, you may need to call your doctor.

What Things Can Cause My Blood Sugar to Go High?

• Skipping medicines/doses
• Foods you eat
•  Especially sugary foods and fatty foods
•  Large amounts/portions -- even with good food choices
• Sick with an infection, fever, or illness
• Stress
• May need additional medicine/doses

How Can I Prevent High Blood Sugar?

• Stick with your diabetic diet
  • Food choices
  • Portions
• Stick with your exercise routine
• Take all medicines as directed
• Find stress management/relaxation techniques that work for you and use them

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