Hypoglycemia

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Hypoglycemia Treatment

A snack or drink containing sugar will raise the blood-glucose level, and you should see an immediate improvement in symptoms.

Infants of diabetic mothers that develop low blood sugars are treated with glucose solutions given into the vein to maintain the blood sugar at normal levels. The glucose is slowly reduced over the next 24-48 hours while the infant begins to regulate its blood sugar at normal levels.

If the person's blood-sugar levels are so low that he/she becomes unconscious or unable to swallow, this is called insulin shock, and emergency medical treatment is needed. An injection of glucose solution or the hormone glucagon will be given immediately.

In the longer term, you may need to modify your diet so that you get glucose into your body more evenly throughout the day. This may prevent further hypoglycemic episodes. Small, frequent meals with complex carbohydrates, fiber, and fat; and avoiding simple sugars, alcohol, and fruit juice are the type of dietary modifications that may be recommended. You should also eat meals at regular intervals, and balance extra exercise with extra food.

If hypoglycemia is caused by an insulinoma (insulin-secreting tumor), surgery to remove the tumor is the best treatment.