Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar (glucose) drops below normal levels. Because our bodies need glucose for energy, having too little can lead to life-threatening health issues.
What's the best source of glucose? Carbohydrates, such as rice, potatoes, bread, tortillas, cereal, milk and fruit. It's important to remember, however, that even if you're eating right and have your type 1 diabetes well under control, hypoglycemia can still strike.

How Do I Treat Hypoglycemia?

To treat hypoglycemia quickly, eat some form of sugar or simple carbohydrates. Good options include fruit juice, hard candy, pretzels or crackers. You will need at least 15 to 20 grams of sugar or carbohydrates to get you through, so it's a good idea to have foods like these on hand:
• Four or five soda crackers
• Five or six pieces of hard candy
• Two tablespoons of raisins
• Four teaspoons of sugar
• One half cup of fruit juice or regular soda
• One cup of milk
• One tablespoon of honey or corn syrup
Bear in mind that foods with a lot of fat mixed with the sugars and carbohydrates — such as chocolate or cookies — do not work as well. So be sure to stick with foods that are mainly sugar or carbs.

What if Hypoglycemia Goes Untreated?

Do not delay in treating hypoglycemia. Otherwise, it can escalate into serious health problems, including seizures, coma and permanent damage to the nervous system.

How Can I Prevent Hypoglycemia?

Practicing good diabetes management is the surest way to avoid hypoglycemia. And learning how to detect hypoglycemia can help you treat it before it gets worse.