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Hypos awareness

How do I treat a low blood sugar at home?

Take fast-acting sugar such as glucose tablets, fruit juice, or regular (non-diet) soft drink, wait about 15 minutes, then recheck. If still low, repeat. Follow up with a snack if your next meal is not soon.

Deze informatie is uitsluitend bedoeld als algemene richtlijn en vormt geen medisch advies. Raadpleeg altijd een gekwalificeerde zorgprofessional voor persoonlijke medische vragen. Bel in geval van nood uw lokale alarmnummer.

A widely taught approach is the rule of 15: take about 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate, wait roughly 15 minutes, and recheck your blood sugar. Suitable options include glucose tablets or gel, a small glass of fruit juice, or a regular sugary drink. Chocolate and other fatty foods work too slowly because fat delays sugar absorption.

Once your level recovers, eat a longer-acting carbohydrate snack or your next meal to prevent the low from returning, especially if you take insulin.

If the person cannot swallow safely, is very drowsy, or unconscious, do not put anything in their mouth. Place them on their side and call your local emergency number. People at risk of severe lows may be prescribed emergency glucagon, and family or friends should be shown how and when to use it. Always discuss your personal hypo plan with your care team.

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