Hypoglycemia is a condition with low blood sugar (less than 70 mg/dl). This level of sugar is insufficient for the brain to function properly. Hence the symptoms tend to vary depending on the severity of hypoglycemia.

Improper dosage and poorly timed insulin or oral hypoglycemics or too much exercise, not enough food, can result in hypoglycemia or low blood glucose levels.

Hypoglycemia can make you feel weak, confused, irritable, hungry, or tired. You may sweat a lot or get a headache. You may have feelings similar to dreadful panic. If your blood glucose drops lower, you could pass out or have a convulsion. Consciousness can be lost but only in extreme cases.

• Delayed meals
• Excessive physical activity
• Overdose of medicine and insulin
• Excessive alcohol intake

Low sugar can occur anytime but it is more common in evening and night.

Precautions and Treatment
You should recognise the early symptoms of hypoglycaemia and take following corrective actions. Take 2-3 teaspoon of sugar immediately followed by sweet biscuits/fruits. All diabetics should always carry some sugar-containing food to eat or drink as the symptoms of hypoglycemia can be controlled if treated early enough.

An injection of glucagon helps the liver to convert glycogen into glucose for release into the blood. Oral or intravenous dextrose can also be given. In most cases, recovery is rapid and troublefree. Longstanding hypoglycemia may require hospital admission to allow supervised recovery and adjustment of diabetic medications.

Comas arising from low blood sugar (Hypoglycemic Coma)
Hypoglycemic coma is generally not life threatening, provided prompt treatment is given, otherwise you could lose consciousness or have convulsions. This can result in brain damage. So diabetic patients must be careful to the utmost to get medical assistance.

Hypoglycemic coma usually occurs due to overcorrection (overtreatment) of blood sugar and when the blood sugar falls to less than 50 mg/dl. The reasons mentioned for hypoglycemia above also apply for causation of this coma. The initial symptoms are giddiness, sweating, increased heart rate, etc. and if prompt treatment is not given, you could lose consciousness or have convulsions. This can result in brain damage. So in this situation, the diabetic patient must get immediate medical assistance. The person is given intravenous glucose solutions to restore the blood glucose levels.

If the symptoms are recognised early by the patient, s/he can gulp a rapidly absorbed sugar like glucose and prevent this episode.

Prevention

Prevention is the best approach. Day-to-day control of your blood sugar levels through a proper diet, exercise and medication is essential.

Follow your meal plan. Once you've decided on a meal plan, remember that consistency is extremely important for managing your blood sugar.

Monitor your blood sugar. Testing is crucial because it tells you whether you're keeping your glucose levels in the range your doctor considers safe. You'll also know when to be alert to detect possible diabetic complications, such as DKA or hyperosmotic diabetic coma.

If you have type 1 diabetes, work with your doctor or certified diabetes educator to find the insulin dosage that's right for you. If you have type 2 diabetes and your blood sugar levels are often outside your target range, let your doctor know about it. He or she may choose to start or adjust your medications. Never stop your diabetes medication without your doctor's approval.

Teach your friends, family and co-workers about diabetes. Take a family member with you to your doctor's appointment so that he or she can learn about your condition and gain confidence to provide assistance when you need it. This may include learning how to recognize early symptoms of low blood sugar, how to respond to an insulin reaction and how to give you a glucagon injection if you become unconscious. Your friend or family member will be able to help you and may feel more comfortable in a diabetes emergency.

Purchase an identification bracelet or necklace that identifies you as having diabetes. This can provide valuable information to your family, friends and co-workers, as well as emergency personnel. Diabetic coma is rare. But it's still a risk you have to prepare for.Monitor your blood sugar as often as your doctor recommends. Do your best to follow your meal plan and medication regimen. Finally, teach your friends, family and co-workers how to respond if you lose consciousness.