Editing Hypoglycemia (section)

=== Self-treatment ===
If an individual recognizes the symptoms of hypoglycemia coming on, blood sugar should promptly be measured, and a sugary food or drink should be consumed.<ref name="NIH2008" /> The person must be [[Consciousness|conscious]] and able to swallow.<ref name="NIH2008" /><ref name="Jameson_2018" /> The goal is to consume 10–20 grams of a carbohydrate to raise blood glucose levels to a minimum of 70&nbsp;mg/dL (3.9&nbsp;mmol/L).<ref name="Jameson_2018" /><ref name="Cry2009" />

Examples of products to consume are:
* Glucose tabs or gel (refer to instructions on packet)<ref name="NIH2008" /><ref name="Cry2009" />
* Juice containing sugar like apple, grape, or cranberry juice, {{cups|1/2|US}}<ref name="NIH2008" /><ref name="Cry2009" />
* Soda or a soft-drink, {{cups|1/2|US}} (not diet soda)<ref name="Cry2009" />
* Candy<ref name="Cry2009" />
* Table sugar or honey, {{tbspUS|1}}<ref name="NIH2008" />

Improvement in blood sugar levels and symptoms are expected to occur in 15–20 minutes, at which point blood sugar should be measured again.<ref name="Jameson_2018" /><ref name="Cry2009" /> If the repeat blood sugar level is not above 70&nbsp;mg/dL (3.9&nbsp;mmol/L), consume another 10–20 grams of a carbohydrate and remeasure blood sugar levels after 15–20 minutes.<ref name="Jameson_2018" /><ref name="Cry2009" /> Repeat until blood glucose levels have returned to normal levels.<ref name="Jameson_2018" /><ref name="Cry2009" /> The greatest improvements in blood glucose will be seen if the carbohydrate is chewed or drunk, and then swallowed.<ref name=":5">{{Cite journal |vauthors=De Buck E, Borra V, Carlson JN, Zideman DA, Singletary EM, Djärv T |date=April 2019 |title=First aid glucose administration routes for symptomatic hypoglycaemia |journal=The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews |volume=2019 |issue=4 |pages=CD013283 |doi=10.1002/14651858.cd013283.pub2 |pmc=6459163 |pmid=30973639}}</ref> This results in the greatest ''[[bioavailability]]'' of glucose, meaning the greatest amount of glucose enters the body producing the best possible improvements in blood glucose levels.<ref name=":5" /> A 2019 systematic review suggests, based on very limited evidence, that [[oral administration]] of glucose leads to a bigger improvement in blood glucose levels when compared to [[buccal administration]].<ref name=":13">{{Cite journal |vauthors=De Buck E, Borra V, Carlson JN, Zideman DA, Singletary EM, Djärv T |date=April 2019 |title=First aid glucose administration routes for symptomatic hypoglycaemia |journal=The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews |volume=2019 |issue=4 |pages=CD013283 |doi=10.1002/14651858.CD013283.pub2 |pmc=6459163 |pmid=30973639 |collaboration=Cochrane Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders Group}}</ref> This same review reported that, based on limited evidence, no difference was found in plasma glucose when administering combined oral and buccal glucose (via dextrose gel) compared to only oral administration.<ref name=":13" /> The second best way to consume a carbohydrate it to allow it to dissolve under the tongue, also referred to as ''[[sublingual administration]].''<ref name=":5" /> For example, a hard candy can be dissolved under the tongue, however the best improvements in blood glucose will occur if the hard candy is chewed and crushed, then swallowed.<ref name=":5" />

After correcting blood glucose levels, people may consume a full meal within one hour to replenish glycogen stores.<ref name="Cry2009" />

==== Education ====
Family, friends, and co-workers of a person with diabetes may provide life-saving treatment in the case of a hypoglycemic episode.<ref name="NIH2008" /> It is important for these people to receive training on how to recognize hypoglycemia, what foods to help the hypoglycemic eat, how to administer injectable or intra-nasal [[glucagon]], and how to use a [[glucose meter]].<ref name="NIH2008" />

[[File:GlucaGen.jpg|thumb|A glucagon kit used to treat severe hypoglycemia|421x421px]]