How to Treat Reactive Hypoglycemia? - Signs, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar level has a quick and serious effect on the brain. Most commonly it is caused by somebody with diabetes either taking too much insulin, or taking the right amount of insulin and then either not eating enough or burning off sugar through vigorous exercise. Less commonly, it can accompany heat exhaustion, alcohol abuse or epileptic fits.

Signs And Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

• History of diabetes (however, a diabetic suffering a hypoglycemia attack is often confused or aggressive and may not admit to having diabetes)
• Hunger
• Feeling faint or dizzy
• Strange behavior: confusion, aggression or even violence
• Pale, cold, sweaty skin
• Rapid loss of consciousness
• Shallow breathing
• Evidence of diabetes, e.g. medic alert, sugar solution or syringe in pocket
• Evidence of recent heavy exercise or drinking

Treatment of Hypoglycemia

If the person is unconscious, monitor the airway and breathing and be prepared to resuscitate as necessary. If the person is fully conscious, help him to sit down or to lie down with the shoulders raised. Give something high in sugar and easy to consume, such as chocolate or a sugary drink, to try to restore the body's chemical balance. If this marks an improvement, give more. If the condition does not improve, seek medical advice. Stay with the person until he recovers. Ask his guidance on what he wants to do next.

Arrange for some help to take him home or to the doctor. If the condition continues to deteriorate, call an ambulance.