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Type 2 Diabetes - Hypoglycemia and Oral Glucose Supplementation!


By Beverleigh H Piepers

Hypoglycemia is the state of excessively decreased sugar in the blood... the levels are way too low, about 60 to 70 mg/dL (3.3 to 3.9 mmol/L). In normal healthy individuals, the body compensates for the steady drop in blood sugar levels by secreting the hormone glucagon, a special chemical that mediates the conversion of stored energy to a ready-to-use sugar supply within the blood. However, in diabetics taking oral anti-diabetic medications or receiving insulin injections, blood sugar can fall particularly during:

* starvation... if you don't eat for long periods of time
* intense physical activity, and
* the intake of alcohol

Hypoglycemia does not result from the diabetes itself, but from the drugs used to treat high blood sugar.

Hypoglycemia can cause signs and symptoms such as:

* cold clammy skin
* excessive sweating
* headache
* dizziness
* blurring of vision
* confusion
* anxiety
* fatigue, and
* palpitations

In worst cases, it can cause seizures, neurological dysfunctions, coma and even death.

What are the special precautions you need to do to avoid hypoglycemia?

Self-monitor your blood sugar regularly. There is no other better preventive measure to protect you against episodes of hypoglycemia than checking your blood sugar regularly. If you plan to drink alcohol, check you blood sugar before your drinking session and again after your drinking session, before you go to sleep.

If you plan to increase your physical activity, it would be better to consult your doctor first. This way, your doctor can adjust your medications depending on your proposed level of physical activity and therefore, prevent hypoglycemic episodes from developing.

What is the role of oral glucose supplementation in the self-treatment of hypoglycemia?

Oral glucose supplementation may serve as a first-aid treatment for hypoglycemic episodes, according to DiabetesPro, the professional online resource of the American Diabetes Association. Through the use of these glucose supplements, your blood sugar level can be corrected immediately and the dangerous consequences of hypoglycemia can be corrected instantaneously.

What are the examples of glucose supplements?

1. BD glucose tablets are effective glucose supplements for the first-aid management of hypoglycemia according to DiabetesPro. BD glucose tablets contain five grams of carbohydrate per tablet. Although its action in elevating the blood sugar level is only comparable to any candy or sweet soda in the market, BD glucose tablets are still preferred by many medical professionals since most diabetics are not tempted to snack on them.

2. Glucose tablets are another first-aid treatment that can be used for hypoglycemic episodes. According to Walgreens, each glucose tablet contains four grams of carbohydrates. Again glucose tablets are only comparable to the action of candies in elevating the blood sugar. However, since it is very convenient to carry around, most diabetics prefer this form of oral glucose supplement.

3. Glutose 15 contains fifteen grams of carbohydrates. And according to DocNews of the American Diabetes Association, Glucose 15 is considered as one of the latest high-tech convenient devices in the market today. It comes in a gel tube that eliminates measuring and counting and it is very effective in elevating the blood sugar.

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