Controlling diabetes is a balancing act: You want to lower blood glucose levels, but not too much. When you use insulin or certain oral medicines to lower blood glucose levels, sometimes they can dip too low, causing hypoglycemia, a condition that can be dangerous. In this section, you can learn how to recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia, how to treat it, and how to prevent it in the first place.

Be Aware of Hypoglycemia Unawareness by Karen Kelly, R.N., B.S.N., C.D.E., and Amy Gilliland, R.N., M.S.N., C.D.E.

Anyone whose child uses insulin has no doubt been warned of the dangers of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and the need to treat it promptly. Mild hypoglycemia can cause a person to feel uncomfortable and can interfere with his normal functioning...

Hypoglycemia Symptoms by Celia Kirkman, R.N., C.D.E.

Hypoglycemia is a common side effect of using insulin, and it can also occur in people who take pills that cause the pancreas to release more insulin. Pills that have this effect include glimepiride (brand name Amaryl), glipizide (Glucotrol, Glucotrol...

Take a Bite Out of Hypoglycemia by Gary Scheiner, M.S., C.D.E.

Is it really possible to have too much of a good thing? Take my own "good things" list as an example. I really enjoy eating popcorn at the movies, lying on the beach, and taking my kids to ballgames. Good things, yes, but only in moderation. If left...

Understanding Hypoglycemia by Laura Hieronymus, M.S.Ed., A.P.R.N., B.C.-A.D.M., C.D.E., and Belinda O’Connell, M.S., R.D., C.D.E.

When you think about diabetes and blood glucose control, the first thing that comes to mind is probably avoiding high blood glucose levels. After all, the hallmark of diabetes is high blood glucose, or hyperglycemia. But controlling blood glucose is...

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