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Hypoglycemia is largely controlled by preventive measures, such as diet and exercise. If your blood sugar still drops, you can help bring it back up with fast-acting carbohydrates. Depending on the underlying causes of hypoglycemia, you may also need medications, too.
Medication Options
If you’re managing type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you have oral and injectable medications at your disposal. For diabetes, however, many of these medications are designed for the treatment of high blood sugar.
Mild symptoms of low blood sugar may be remedied by fast-acting carbohydrates.
For severe symptoms, such as loss of consciousness, on the other hand, a loved one or medical professional will need to administer a glucagon injection. (2) Another way to administer glucagon is via an inhalable nasal powder, which the Food and Drug Administration approved in 2019 to treat severe hypoglycemia in people ages 4 and older. (11)
Diet Options
If your blood sugar dips too low, you can reach for certain foods to get it back within a safe range.
You need to eat or drink 15 grams (g) worth of carbohydrates once your levels drop to 70 mg/dL or lower. (2) This may involve eating 1 tablespoon (tbsp) of honey, 2 tbsp of raisins, or ½ cup of soda or fruit juice — just be sure these are the versions with real sugar, not artificial sweeteners, so your blood sugar responds accordingly. While you want to reduce sugary drinks in your diet overall, diet and sugar-free drinks will do little to bring your blood glucose up in the event of hypoglycemia.
You can check your blood sugar again after 15 minutes of eating. If it’s still low, the American Diabetes Association recommends repeating the process. (12) If you take glucose tablets, make sure you get 16 g total (usually 4 g each in four total tablets).
To keep your blood sugar levels steady over the long haul, Dodell recommends eating balanced meals of carbs, lean proteins, and healthy fats at short, regular intervals. Contrary to what some influencers and popular diet marketers say, there’s no such thing as a true hypoglycemia diet.
Exercise and Hypoglycemia
Exercise is key for regulating insulin and blood sugar.
If you have high blood sugar, working out can lower it. That’s because your body can naturally take up glucose from insulin more effectively during and after physical activity. (12)
The trick is exercising the right amount — and at the right intensity. Exercising at a harder level than you’re used to can make your blood sugar levels drop quickly. Such effects can last for 24 hours. (2)
Still, you shouldn’t let the fear of hypoglycemia hold you back from exercising. It’s important to focus on more moderate activities, such as walking, bike riding, and swimming. As you get used to working out, gradually increase the time and intensity of your sweat sessions. For someone new to exercise, this could mean increasing your daily walks by a few minutes every week.
To be on the safe side, check your glucose levels beforehand. You may also want to have a meter on hand during and after your workout.
