Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar. It is also called insulin shock or insulin reaction. Low blood sugar happens when there is too much insulin, too little food, or too much exercise. Alcohol such as beer, wine or liquor can also cause hypoglycemia.

Low blood sugar is more common in people taking insulin than in those who use pills to manage their diabetes. It rarely happens when diabetes is diet-controlled. It sometimes happens in persons without diabetes, but this is very uncommon. The longer insulin is used, the higher the chance of getting low blood sugar.

Early signs of hypoglycemia are:
* shakiness,
* sweating,
* hunger,
* dizziness,
* blurry vision, and
* being unable to concentrate.

Later signs of low blood sugar are:
* headache,
* confusion,
* mood changes, and
* coma or seizure.

A person with diabetes who feels any of these symptoms should check their blood sugar level. If it's not possible to check your level, it is better to treat the possible hypoglycemia than to ignore it. To treat low blood sugar, take one half-cup regular soda or fruit juice. In about 15 minutes you should feel better. If it is more than an hour until your next meal or snack, eat something small such as a peanut butter sandwich. If away from home, always keep juice or a snack handy.

If a known diabetic is unconscious and unable to be roused, the best thing to do is call 911 for emergency help. If you cannot keep your blood sugar stable, talk to your doctor about it. To learn more, call your local Diabetes Association, or call (800) 232-3472.

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