How to quickly return normal blood sugar levels: Many will find it useful
Ways to normalize blood sugar levels (photo: Freepik)
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar (below 3.9 mmol/L), is a health risk condition. It is important to know how to act in such situations, says nutritionist Oleh Shvets.
The 15-15 rule:
If your sugar level drops, use the 15-15 rule: eat 15 grams of carbohydrates, and wait 15 minutes. Check your sugar level. If it is still below 3.9 mmol/L, repeat. Continue until your blood sugar returns to normal. Then eat a small meal with protein, carbohydrates, and fat.
What foods are necessary for low blood sugar
When blood sugar is low, you need to absorb sugar as quickly as possible. Foods high in fiber (e.g., fruits, beans, lentils) and foods high in fat (e.g., chocolate, baked goods) slow down the absorption of sugars.
Try to have at least one of these foods with you in case your blood sugar is too low:
- Half a cup of juice or regular sweet soda (cola or lemonade)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey or syrup
- Hard candy, lollipops, or chewing lozenges (check the food label for sugar content)
- 3-4 glucose tablets (follow the instructions)
What should you do if your sugar level drops critically
Blood sugar levels below 3.1 mmol/L are considered very low. With such indicators, the 15-15 rule will not work. Depending on the symptoms, a person may not be able to check their blood sugar level on their own or do anything to normalize it.
The best way to raise very low blood sugar levels is with injectable glucagon. A glucagon kit is available with a prescription. Ask your doctor if you need one and how to use it.
If a person faints because of very low blood sugar, they usually wake up within 15 minutes of the glucagon injection. If the person does not wake up within 15 minutes after the injection, another dose should be given. Call an emergency medical service immediately after a glucagon injection.
If the person is awake and able to swallow, give them a fast-acting source of sugar (regular, non-diet soda or fruit juice). Then offer to eat a long-acting carbohydrate source with protein (e.g., crackers and cheese, a meat sandwich).
Preventing low blood sugar and what your surrounding should know
Check your glucose levels regularly to respond to a drop in time. Discuss hypoglycemic episodes with your doctor to adjust your treatment.
Your close ones must know what to do in case of hypoglycemia, how to check their blood sugar, and how to use glucagon.
You may be interested in why it is difficult for people to change their habitual diet.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
