2016 Wellness Expo

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2016 Wellness Expo Lincoln Daily Tuesday, February 16, 2016 Page 13
5. You are going to bed. Some people are deep
sleepers, and a high or a low blood sugar will
not awake them. Be sure to have a good number
before not checking for 8 or more hours in bed.
Gone low that day? Set an alarm and test in the
middle of the night.
6. You are unnecessarily irritated. One tell-
tale sign of a low for some is anger or irrational
behavior. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include
irritability or nervousness, shaking, a racing
heart, sweating, hunger, and more. Each person
is different, so it’s wise to reflect on what your
symptoms are and review with your doctor how to
treat a low.
7. You are stressed. If you are feeling stressed
over family, job, or other personal matters,
consider how that is impacting your blood
sugars (higher than usual). You might need to
make some serious changes in your life and seek
professional help.
8. You are busy. Rushing around and realize that
you didn’t check your blood sugar for five hours?
This can result in high sugars staying high for too
long. Skipping planned meals and snacks can lead
to an evening low. Again, an alarm can remind
you to stop and test.
9. You are going to exercise. Exercise is both a
beauty and a beast of diabetes. Initially, exercise
increases blood sugar. But after exercise, blood
sugar generally lowers, sometimes for up to 48
hours.
Talk to your doctor about an acceptable pre-
exercise blood sugar number. Figure exercise into
your meal planning. Always wear your medical
ID, carry emergency simple carbohydrates, and
have a partner, or a cell phone nearby when
exercising.
10. You just do not feel right. Everyone has days
when they just feel “off.” Some will feel anxious
before a low, and others have hypoglycemia come
on quickly and without much warning. If you
have no pattern of common symptoms, check your
sugar at the first sign of discomfort or uneasiness.
Jennifer DiPasquale, Memorial
Diabetes Services at ALMH
PH:217-605-5535