Type 1 Diabetes and Hypoglycemia: Causes and Treatments

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a common complication of insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes. Most people taking insulin have experienced hypoglycemic episodes. Hypoglycemia can be dangerous, leading to seizures, coma, and death if left untreated, so it's important to be aware of the signs and know what to do if you experience low blood sugar.

This article will discuss hypoglycemia and its risks, symptoms, and management.

Risks of Hypoglycemia With Type 1 Diabetes

In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that signals cells to take up sugar from the blood, thus lowering blood sugar. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin to keep blood sugar in a healthy range.

Hypoglycemia is a common side effect of insulin therapy. People with type 1 diabetes, on average, have about two episodes of mild hypoglycemia symptoms per week. Hypoglycemia can happen regardless of your overall blood sugar control, as measured by hemoglobin A1c level. However, those with a lower target hemoglobin A1c are at a higher risk of hypoglycemic episodes.

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia can be categorized as mild, moderate, or severe, based on how low the blood sugar is. Symptoms become more serious the lower the blood sugar becomes.

Preparedness and Prevention

Being aware of what can lower blood sugar and cause hypoglycemic episodes is an important way to prevent these episodes from happening in the first place. The following can increase the risk of hypoglycemia:

• Exercise
• Taking too much insulin or taking insulin without eating enough food
• Taking insulin too soon before eating
• Not eating enough carbohydrates
• Drinking alcohol
• Hormonal changes, such as during menstruation and puberty
• Being at high altitude

If you take insulin, it's important to check your blood sugar frequently. Discuss with your healthcare provider a plan for how often and at what times to check your blood sugar. Tell your healthcare provider about any changes to your diet, exercise regimen, or health, including any illnesses you're experiencing, so your insulin dose can be appropriately adjusted.

Despite being careful about your blood sugar, it's always a good idea to be prepared if low blood sugar happens to you. If you have diabetes, it's also important to let your family, friends, and coworkers know what to do in the event of an emergency.

Treatment of Hypoglycemia

If you experience signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, or if your measured blood sugar is low, don't wait to get treatment. Blood sugar drops can become more severe with time. People who take insulin should be familiar with the 15-15 rule and have quick access to simple sugars that can raise their blood sugar.

Severe hypoglycemia is marked by symptoms like seizures and loss of consciousness, so you won't be able to treat the dangerously low blood sugar by eating sugar. Instead, an injection of a hormone called glucagon will be necessary to raise blood sugar.

People with diabetes may consider wearing a medical ID bracelet to alert bystanders of their diabetes in case serious complications occur.

Complications of Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia can be dangerous and result in the following:

• Falls
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizure
• Coma
• Death

For this reason, it's important to be aware of early symptoms of low blood sugar that you can treat to prevent these complications.

When to Get Emergency Help

If your blood sugar is in the severe range, it's time to get immediate emergency assistance. In cases severe hypoglycemia, wearing a medical ID can be lifesaving. This can be a necklace or bracelet that lets bystanders and first responders know that you have diabetes and are on insulin, so you can receive appropriate treatment promptly.

Mild to moderate hypoglycemic episodes that resolve with treatment are not necessarily a reason to seek emergency medical care, however you should talk to your healthcare provider if you have frequent hypoglycemic episodes, since an adjustment to your insulin dose may be needed.

Summary

Hypoglycemic episodes are common in type 1 diabetes and can cause severe complications. Being aware of early symptoms of low blood sugar and using the 15-15 rule can prevent blood sugar from dropping to dangerous levels.

A Word From Verywell

It can be a challenge to keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range with type 1 diabetes. Your healthcare team can help get you on a regimen that works for you. Make sure to communicate any changes in your diet, exercise regimen, or health, such as an acute illness or upcoming surgery, with your diabetes provider so that your insulin dose can be adjusted to prevent hypoglycemia.