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Contents
  • Recognizing Hypoglycemia
  • Preventing Hypoglycemia
  • Managing Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia and Insulin: Understanding and Managing the Risks

Hypoglycemia and Insulin: Understanding and Managing the Risks

What's the Concern?

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a potential side effect of insulin therapy that concerns many people with type 2 diabetes. While it's important to be aware of this risk, understanding how to prevent and manage hypoglycemia can help you use insulin safely and effectively.
Contents
  • Recognizing Hypoglycemia
  • Preventing Hypoglycemia
  • Managing Hypoglycemia

Recognizing Hypoglycemia

Symptoms of hypoglycemia can include shakiness, sweating, confusion, and irritability. It's crucial to learn to recognize these signs early. Blood sugar below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) is generally considered low. Regular blood sugar monitoring, especially when starting or adjusting insulin, helps catch low blood sugar early.

Preventing Hypoglycemia

Several strategies can help prevent hypoglycemia. These include taking insulin doses as prescribed, eating regular meals, monitoring blood sugar before exercise, and adjusting insulin for physical activity. It's also important to work closely with your healthcare team to find the right insulin dose that controls your blood sugar without causing frequent lows.
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a condition that can occur as a side effect of insulin therapy in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Symptoms include shakiness, sweating, confusion, and irritability. Blood sugar levels below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) are considered low.

Managing Hypoglycemia

If you experience hypoglycemia, the '15-15 rule' is a good guideline. Eat 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates (like glucose tablets or juice), wait 15 minutes, then recheck your blood sugar. Repeat if necessary. Always carry a source of quick sugar with you. For severe hypoglycemia, where you can't treat yourself, emergency glucagon kits are available.

FAQs

Is hypoglycemia common with insulin use?

It can occur, but proper management reduces the risk significantly.

Can hypoglycemia happen while I'm sleeping?

Yes, nighttime lows can occur. Discuss prevention with your doctor.

Should I avoid exercise to prevent lows?

No, but you may need to adjust insulin or eat snacks.

What if I have hypoglycemia unawareness?

This condition needs special management. Consult your doctor.

The Bottom Line

While hypoglycemia is a risk with insulin, proper education and management make it a manageable aspect of diabetes care.
Concerned about hypoglycemia risk? Chat with Doctronic to develop a personalized prevention plan.
Additional References
  1. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. Diabetes Care 2024; 47:S111.
  2. Donnelly LA, et al. Diabet Med 2005; 22:749.
  3. Wysham C, et al. JAMA 2017; 318:45.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.