Hidden Dangers of Hypoglycemia in Diabetic Patients

Emergency Room Calls from Abroad

Today, I want to share some concerning episodes that happened to my mother multiple times. While living in America, there was little I could do when emergencies occurred. News would come through my father, and they would often wait until the situation was resolved before telling me, not wanting me to worry from so far away. I would talk to my recovered mom afterward, simply relieved that everything was okay.

Understanding the Dangers of Hypoglycemia

It wasn't until I started studying that I realized just how dangerous these incidents were. Have you heard of hypoglycemia? Honestly, if my mother hadn't had diabetes, I probably wouldn't have paid much attention to it. After several episodes of collapsing from low blood sugar and being rushed to the emergency room, my mother now always carries candy in her bag. She's become familiar with the symptoms and quickly eats something sweet and sits down to rest when she feels them coming on.

The Science Behind Hypoglycemia

According to research, hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels drop dangerously low, seriously affecting brain and body functions. While blood sugar below 70mg/dL is considered hypoglycemic, levels below 55mg/dL can cause symptoms like confusion, sweating, dizziness, and heart palpitations. In severe cases, it can lead to seizures, coma, or even death.

The risk of hypoglycemia is particularly high when diabetic patients incorrectly take insulin or medication, skip meals, or exercise excessively. Since repeated episodes can make the body less responsive to warning signals, it's crucial to check blood sugar levels and respond quickly before symptoms appear.

Emergency Response and Suitable Foods

When hypoglycemia strikes, consuming fast-acting carbohydrates is most effective in raising blood sugar quickly. Helpful options include:

• Glucose tablets or gel

• Regular soda or juice (about half a cup)

• A tablespoon of sugar or corn syrup

• Honey (for those over 1 year old)

• Specific amounts of candy or jelly beans

Foods to Avoid During Hypoglycemia

Foods high in fiber, fat, or protein slow down digestion, making chocolate or peanut butter unsuitable for treating hypoglycemia. It's important to always keep fast-acting carbohydrates readily available for sudden episodes.

The Importance of Blood Sugar Management

When I saw Mom skipping meals due to her busy schedule, I naively thought it might help with weight loss. Now I want everyone to understand that for diabetic patients, skipping meals - a common dieting practice - can be extremely dangerous due to the risk of hypoglycemia. I feel guilty for once judging her for eating sweets from her bag, not understanding their vital purpose.

Knowledge and New Commitments

Now that I'm a mother of two beautiful children myself, seeing my mom's wrinkled face makes me want to protect my loved ones even more. I aim to become independent and capable of protecting those I love. I never forget the importance of continuous learning, strengthening myself through reading and accumulating knowledge.

Closing Thoughts

Today, we discussed hypoglycemia - a simple but potentially dangerous condition. If you haven't already, please prepare some fast-acting sugars to protect your loved ones from hypoglycemia. Thank you for reading my post. I'll be back next week. Take care!

Warmly,

Autumn

Disclaimer: The health information provided in this newsletter is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace personalized medical advice. If you have diabetes or any other health condition, please consult your healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes.

References:

American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose): Symptoms & treatment. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/hypoglycemia-low-blood-glucose/symptoms-treatment

National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2019). Biochemistry, glucose as an energy source. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534841/