Prevention of Hypoglycemia
You can take the following
measures to limit the risk:
-
Set realistic targets—aim to keep
premeal glucose levels between 90 and 130 rather than at 80. Also, if you have recently had a severe
hypoglycemic reaction, then for about six weeks aim to keep your glucose around 150.This will help you
recover your ability to sense hypoglycemia to some degree.
-
Learn to count carbohydrates and
adjust insulin appropriately.
-
Recognize behaviors that increase the
risk of hypoglycemia and take steps to avoid them—for example, adjust the insulin for exercise, and
drink alcohol in moderation and with food.
-
Monitor blood glucose levels
frequently, especially if you have type 1 diabetes. You cannot achieve optimal glucose control with two
or three checks a day. For tight control, check your blood glucose levels eight to twelve times a day
(before meals and snacks, at bedtime, at 2 A . M .,before and after exercise, before driving, and
when you have symptoms of hypoglycemia). Continuous glucose monitoring systems can be set to give you a
warning when glucose falls below the lower target set point.
-
Pay attention to your symptoms of hypoglycemia. When you are busy, the temptation is to ignore the
symptoms.
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