Feeling Low? 8 Essential Tips for Handling Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, happens when your body doesn’t have enough sugar to use as energy. It’s a common experience for people with diabetes, but it can also affect those without diabetes occasionally.

Feeling shaky, lightheaded, cranky, or anxious after skipping meals or exercising more than usual? That could be a hypo.

Don’t worry—managing hypoglycemia is manageable with the right strategies. Here are some quick tips to keep in mind:

Quick Tips for Managing Hypoglycemia

• Follow the 15:15 Rule

  • Eat or drink 15g of fast-acting carbs (juice, glucose tabs, honey).
  • Wait 15 minutes and check your levels.
  • Still low? Have another 15g and recheck.

• Snack Smart

  • Eat small meals every 3-4 hours to prevent blood sugar dips.

• Stick to Balanced Meals

  • Include fiber, veggies, and lean protein to stabilize blood sugar. Pair sweets with balanced meals.

• Limit Alcohol and Caffeine

  • Both can mimic hypo symptoms. Drink in moderation and never on an empty stomach.

• Don’t Drive Low

  • Keep sugar or glucose tablets handy. If symptoms hit while driving, pull over and treat immediately.

• Test Often

  • Regularly monitor your levels as recommended by your doctor.

• Exercise Wisely

  • Time workouts 30 minutes to 1 hour after meals and monitor sugars before and after.

• Know the Signs

  • Learn how low blood sugar feels for you—early detection can prevent severe episodes.

If you experience hypoglycemia write down the date and time, this will help when relaying this information to your doctor and help them make the necessary changes. Manage your hypoglycemia with well-balanced meals, limiting alcohol, having fast-acting glucose chews, testing regularly, and checking in with your body. 

If you're interested in exploring more about Hypoglycemia Management, check out these other popular articles :

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• What you need to know about Low Blood Glucose
• Understanding Hypoglycemia
• Newly Diagnosed with T1D? Here's the advice Everyone Whishes they got from the start

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Disclaimer: This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or a qualified health provider with any questions about your condition. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 (US) or 000 (Australia) immediately, or visit your nearest emergency care center.