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Diabetes: Dealing With Low Blood Sugar From Medicines


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Introduction

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) occurs when the sugar (glucose) level in the blood drops below what the body needs to function normally. Some pills for diabetes can cause low blood sugar. If you want to know how to deal with low blood sugar caused by insulin, see:

Click here to view an Actionset.Diabetes: Dealing with low blood sugar from insulin.

Key points

  • Low blood sugar as a side effect of oral diabetes medicines usually causes mild symptoms, such as sweating, shakiness, and hunger.
  • Taking too many of your diabetes pills in one day, not eating enough food, or doing strenuous physical activity can cause your blood sugar level to drop below your target range.
  • If your blood sugar is low and you don't eat anything, it may drop to a very low level. Keep some hard candy, raisins, or other quick sugar foods with you at all times. Eat some at the first sign of low blood sugar.
  • Test your blood sugar often so you do not have to guess when it is low.
  • Teach your friends and coworkers what to do if your blood sugar is very low.

What? - What is the medical information or key concepts related to the action? What is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)?

Why? - Why the action is important? Why do I need to deal with low blood sugar?

How? - Learn the steps involved in taking action. How to deal with low blood sugar

Where? - Other resources and organizations that can help you take action. Where to go from here

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Last Updated: June 29, 2011
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine

Jennifer Hone, MD, MD - Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism


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