Understanding the Rule of 15: Treating Low Blood Sugar Safely
Have you ever had a sudden hunger, shakiness, dizziness, or felt too weak to stand? These could be the early signs of low blood sugar, also called hypoglycemia. It's especially important to know what to do in such a situation when you have diabetes. Low blood sugar occurs when the sugar, or glucose, in your blood becomes too low. Glucose provides energy to the body, and, when at very low levels, will make you feel unwell.
Many diabetes control programs focus on providing guidance for balanced diets and lifestyle changes to manage such situations and maintain overall health. One such program is offered by Fitterfly, which offers personalized diet plans and support to help you achieve healthy blood sugar levels.
What Is Low Blood Sugar?
Low blood sugar means your blood glucose level is less than 70 mg/dL. It can result from skipping a meal, exercising too long, or failing to drink enough water.
How Low Blood Sugar Might Feel?
Depending on how low your levels have dropped, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Low (less than 70 mg/dL): Feeling hungry, sweaty, shaky, having a racing heart, a headache, or feeling nervous
- Moderate (less than 55 mg/dL): Feeling dizzy, weak, confused, irritable, unable to talk clearly, or extremely drowsy.
- Extreme: Less than 40 mg/dL: Seizure, loss of consciousness, or coma
Management of Low Blood Sugar: The Rule of 15
The rule of 15 is the most convenient method to raise your blood sugar safely. To do this, simply follow these steps:
- Take 15 Grams of Sugar or Carbohydrate
Select one of these:
- 3-4 glucose tablets
- Half a glass of fruit juice (orange or mango)
- 1 tablespoon of honey or jaggery
- Half a small banana
- 4-5 small candies or toffees
- Wait for 15 Minutes
Rest and avoid any physical activity while waiting.
- Check Your Blood Sugar
Use a glucometer to see if your blood sugar is back above 70 mg/dL.
- Repeat If Needed
If your blood sugar is still below 70 mg/dL, repeat steps 1-3.
- Stabilize
Once your blood sugar is back to normal, eat a small snack with carbs and protein if your next meal is more than an hour away.
- Monitor
Monitor your blood sugar frequently. If you have to do it several times, consult your doctor.
Rapid Reversal of Low Blood Sugar
While you are at home, you can take the remedy for low blood sugar from easily available things in your kitchen:
- You may take one-quarter glass of orange, mango or sweet lime juice.
- Have one teaspoon of honey or jaggery.
- You may take half a banana or couple of raisins or dates.
- Snack on 4-5 candies, sweet biscuits, or glucose biscuits.
- Consume 100-120 ml of a soft drink or sweetened buttermilk (lassi/chaas).
How to Prevent Low Blood Sugar?
To prevent low blood sugar, make slight adjustments in your lifestyle:
- Eating Balanced Meals: Make sure that the diet is accompanied by whole grains, proteins, healthy fats, and vegetables. A meal containing brown rice, dal, veggies, and salad can be an example.
- Stay Active: Get up and walk around, swim, or cycle 150 minutes a week.
- Sleep and Reduce Stress: Sleep 7-9 hours a night. Use yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to cope with stress.
When to Call the Doctor?
For mildly to moderately low blood sugar, the Rule of 15 applies. If the person becomes unconscious or unable to swallow, call for immediate medical help.
Following these easy steps and choosing healthy options allows you to manage low blood sugar in a safe and stable manner. Prepare yourself, and discuss frequent occurrences with your doctor.
Previous Posts: