Objectives◦ Explain the signs and symptoms of low blood

glucose.

◦ Identify normal limits, low limits, and dangerously low limits

◦ Discuss treatment of low blood glucose

◦ Discuss glucagon shots

◦ View video on glucagon shots

HOUR FIVE: LOW BG LEVELS

Low blood glucose is also referred to as hypoglycemia.

Mild hypoglycemia can make you feel hungry or like you want to vomit. You could also feel jittery or nervous. Your heart may beat fast. You may sweat. Or your skin might turn cold and clammy.

Moderate hypoglycemia often makes people feel short-tempered, nervous, afraid, or confused. Your vision may blur. You could also feel unsteady or have trouble walking.

Severe hypoglycemia can cause you to pass out. You could have seizures. It could even cause a coma or death.

What Is Low Blood Glucose?

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of hypoglycemia typically appear at levels below 60 mg/dL. Some people may feel symptoms above this level. Levels below 50 mg/dL affect brain function.

Blood Glucose Limits

Treatment – Mild Low

Everyone who uses insulin should have a glucagon emergency kit on hand at all times to counteract severe hypoglycemia that causes loss of consciousness, or if sugar cannot be given. The glucagon kit should be stored where all the family members and school nurse know where to find it. Storage temperatures should be under 90 degrees F (28 degrees C).

Glucagon, like insulin, must be injected. Within the glucagon kit are a syringe pre-filled with a liquid and a vial of powdered glucagon. You prepare the glucagon for injection immediately before use by following the instructions that are included with the glucagon kit.

Treatment – Severe Low

Video

SOURCE: Turner, Jim. “Glucagon Kit.” Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube, 7 May. 2009. Web. 24 Aug. 2013.

Proceed to end of lesson assessment.

Assessment