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Some guidelines are:

  • Take regular snack breaks.
  • Eat lunch on time.
  • Make sure you have enough water.
From a web site and wilderness first aid. -

Hypoglycemia - Low blood sugar: Caused by too little food, too much insulin or more exercise than usual.

Hypo Low blood glucose feels different to different people; it may include any of the following.

faintness, fatigue, shakiness, dizziness, muscle, cramping, weakness, hunger, pale, skin, nervousness, inappropriate, actions, stomachache, confusion, blurred, vision, irritability, headache, crankiness, fatigue, convulsions, sweating, unconsciousness.

A person with Hypoglycemia may be confused and say they are ok or don't need sugar. Make them take it anyway.

Many people who have had diabetes for more than 5 years lose some of the symptoms of low blood glucose. The usual feelings of hunger, sweatiness, anxiety, and increased heart rate may fade and escape your attention.

Sometimes you may just feel sleepy as your blood glucose drops Treatment:

  1. Stop actaivity.
  2. Eat 15 grams of quick acting carbohydrate glucose (4 glucose tablets, 1/2 cup of juice, 1 frosting or glucose gel tube, honey, mable syrup, 1/2 cup diet soda, ...)
  3. If blood surger doesn't increase after 15 minutes repeat 2.
In loss of consciousness and/or seizure activity
  1. Give a Glucagon shot, a hormone that causes a rise in blood sugar.
  2. Turn the person onto one side or stomach (vomiting generally occurs with Glucagon).
  3. After giving the injection give glucose gel or frosting by rubbing it on the gums and inner cheeks but not actually dumping in the mouth.
  4. Wait 10=20 minutes after giving Glucagon and administering glucose gel and then check the patient's blood glucose.
If Glucagon is not available then rub glucose gel or frosting on the gums and inner cheeks.

Complete recovery may take 1-2 hours

Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), which is not as dangerous can be caused by too little insulin, too much food or too little physical activity. Infections, illness, and/or stress may precipitate the condition. Symptoms: Thirst, headaches, frequent urination, fatigue, dry mouth, abdominal pain

Treatment:
1. Administer insulin
2. Push fluids

See Also:
American Diabetes Association
child_manage.doc (Word Doc) at Nevada Diabetes Association (diabetesnv.org)

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last updated 18 Nov 2003