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Diabetes - Juvenile Community
This patient support community is for questions related to juvenile diabetes including celiac disease, depression, diabetic complications, hyperglycemia / diabetic keto-acidosis, hypoglycemia, islet cell transplantation, nutritional issues, parenting a diabetic child, pregnancy, pump therapy, school issues, and teens with diabetes.
Blood sugars dropping too low
by Arkylady, Apr 27, 2006 12:00AM
I am having problems keeping my blood sugar levels under control. I care for my 80 year old mother who has Alzheimer's and am often very stressed and it goes up. My levels are more often too high but on occasion drop too low when I don't eat properly or am overly active. I woke up one night to go to the restroom and actually fell out in the floor. I could not get up. I was extremely weak and dizzy, nauseated and felt and acted like someone extremely drunk. I couldn't even hold my head up. This was before my Mom's disease progressed and she went to a neighbor's for help.
She and I are usually alone and she can no longer use the phone or remember people. If I pass out and it is some time before help arrives am I in danger of dieing or having a stroke? I have found that when my sugar is too low I usually sleep very sound. I am afraid I will not wake up or will awaken but can't get help. If I fall like beofre I couldn't even get to the phone, much less dial it. What can I do? I keep orange juice on hand but might not be able to get to it. Is there anything easy to use that I could carry with me? I am never thinking clearly at these times and usually don't realize my sugar is low before it becomes a problem. I would appreciate anyone's suggestions.
She and I are usually alone and she can no longer use the phone or remember people. If I pass out and it is some time before help arrives am I in danger of dieing or having a stroke? I have found that when my sugar is too low I usually sleep very sound. I am afraid I will not wake up or will awaken but can't get help. If I fall like beofre I couldn't even get to the phone, much less dial it. What can I do? I keep orange juice on hand but might not be able to get to it. Is there anything easy to use that I could carry with me? I am never thinking clearly at these times and usually don't realize my sugar is low before it becomes a problem. I would appreciate anyone's suggestions.
Doctor's Answer
by JDRF-Team-CDB, Apr 27, 2006 12:00AM
Hello Arkylady,
You are a good soul to be caring for your mother; please also take care of yourself!
Small juice boxes are easy to keep with you, in a pocket or purse, and they keep a long time. Those little Juicy Juice apple-juice boxes, designed for preschoolers, are perfect. When my daughter gets low, she typically starts with juice or some Coke, and then "backs it up" with a little something to eat, so her sugar won't dive back down after a quick juice burst. A small granola bar or a few crackers works.
Please consider seeing an endocrinologist/diabetes specialist as soon as possible. He or she should be able to help you get better control of your blood sugar, and can give you specific advice about what your goal blood sugars should be before going to sleep at night.
Good luck and take care.
You are a good soul to be caring for your mother; please also take care of yourself!
Small juice boxes are easy to keep with you, in a pocket or purse, and they keep a long time. Those little Juicy Juice apple-juice boxes, designed for preschoolers, are perfect. When my daughter gets low, she typically starts with juice or some Coke, and then "backs it up" with a little something to eat, so her sugar won't dive back down after a quick juice burst. A small granola bar or a few crackers works.
Please consider seeing an endocrinologist/diabetes specialist as soon as possible. He or she should be able to help you get better control of your blood sugar, and can give you specific advice about what your goal blood sugars should be before going to sleep at night.
Good luck and take care.
Post Comment
I am a type 1 diabetic and have had diabetes for nearly 30 years, I am only 31 years old.
Keep packets of sugar in your pockets, your purse, your car in your nightstand or on your person at all times.
When you are having an insulin reastion or low bloog sugar you can act as though you are drunk, I have myself. I acted even crazy. You feel as though you can't control yourself.
It's very scary. When this happens you have to realze that you need sugar.
Also remember, keep a card in your purse that would let people know that you are a type 2 diabetic, this can be life saving.
The best way to avoid low blood sugars to to be on a routine and stick to it. SOmetimes it is very difficult to stick to a routine but you also need to take care of yourself.
Keep snacks in your purse and nightstand. NEVER go to bed when your blood sugar is low,that is dangerous.
Have small meals throughout the day if you can. I hoope you keep these thing in mind and that they help.
Best of luck!