Hypoglycemia

Alternate Names : Low Blood Sugar, Low Blood Glucose

What can be done to prevent the condition?

People with diabetes prevent hypoglycemia by frequently monitoring blood glucose levels and recognizing early symptoms of hypoglycemia. People who have diabetes can prevent hypoglycemia by keeping their blood sugar levels within their recommended range. They are trained to recognize when their blood sugar levels are dropping. They can quickly eat or drink something with sugar or take glucose tablets to prevent hypoglycemia from developing. Other people who have hypoglycemia can learn to eat and exercise in a way that does not cause their blood sugar to drop too low.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Repeated episodes of hypoglycemia are now thought to cause mild forms of brain damage that may be irreversible. Rarely, severe hypoglycemia can cause a coma or death.

What are the risks to others?

There are no risks to others. This condition is not contagious.