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GlucaGen® HypoKit®: Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia

HypoKit®

Recognize Hypoglycemia Early and Take Action

It is important to be able to identify the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia early, so that you can treat hypoglycemia before it becomes severe.

Special Alert: The signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia may become less noticeable after a person has had diabetes for a while. Some signs and symptoms might be so subtle that it is hard to react to them in time. This is called hypoglycemic unawareness—having the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia without being aware of them.

Hypoglycemia begins when blood glucose levels are a little too low. This is the best time to try to adjust the glucose level. Signs and symptoms of the onset of hypoglycemia may include:

  • Tingling in the hands, feet, lips, or tongue
  • Feeling anxious
  • Blurry vision
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Hunger
  • Irritability
  • Shakiness
  • Sweating
  • Weakness or fatigue

If you have symptoms such as difficulty thinking or concentrating, or poor coordination, check your blood glucose levels right away. If you cannot check right away, eat or drink a fast-acting carbohydrate snack.

Examples of fast-acting carbohydrate snacks:

  • 4 oz. of regular soda pop
  • 3-4 glucose tablets
  • glucose gel, per manufacturer's directions
  • 4 oz. of fruit juice
  • 3 to 5 pieces of hard candy that can be chewed quickly
  • 1 or 2 teaspoons of sugar or honey

Hypoglycemia can also happen while you are sleeping and disturb your sleep. You might:,

  • Cry out or have nightmares
  • Find that your pajamas or sheets are damp from sweat
  • Wake up feeling tired, irritable, or confused

More pronounced symptoms may arise if hypoglycemia is not treated. These symptoms may include:

  • Poor coordination
  • Inability to follow instructions
  • Depressed mood
  • Unusual behavior
  • Slurred speech

Severe hypoglycemia is a medical emergency. People with severe hypoglycemia have such a small amount of glucose in their blood that it affects their brains. As a result, they lose consciousness and pass out. Signs and symptoms of severe hypoglycemia include:

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Unresponsiveness
  • Seizures

Autocover®, FlexPen®, GlucaGen®, HypoKit®, Innolet®, Levemir®, Novolin®, NovoLog®, NovoFine®, NovoPen®, and Prandin® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S.