Low blood sugar with type 2 diabetes

A low blood sugar is less than 70. Low blood sugar can happen if you are taking insulin for your diabetes. It is important to know what can cause low blood sugar and what to do if it is low.

Causes of low blood sugar are:

• Taking too much insulin
• Not eating enough carbs after taking insulin
• Getting more activity than normal

Signs of low blood sugar are:

• Sweating
• Shaking
• Very hungry
• Weakness
• Tired or drowsy
• Headache
• Irritable or grouchy
• Confused
• Seizure
• Fainting or passing out

Stop what you are doing, and check your blood sugar right away if you feel any of these signs.

What should I do if my blood sugar is low?

If your blood sugar is less than 70:

• Take 10 to 15 grams of quick-acting carbs right away. You can:
  • Drink 3 to 4 ounces of juice
  • Drink 3 to 4 ounces of soda pop that has sugar (not sugar-free)
  • Take 3 to 4 glucose tabs
• Wait at least 15 to 30 minutes and re-check your blood sugar if you still have signs of a low blood sugar.
• If your blood sugar is still less than 70, take another 10 to 15 grams of quick- acting carbohydrate.
  • Do not take more than 15 grams of carbs for a low blood sugar. Too many carbs can make the blood sugar go too high.
  • Do not eat carbs for a low blood sugar. Food does not work fast enough to bring the blood sugar up right away.