Signs of low blood sugar and the 15x15 rule for immediate treatment

The Gulf Health Council issued important and urgent warnings to diabetics and their families about the dangers of low blood sugar, emphasizing the need to be aware of the vital signs that precede loss of consciousness and how to properly manage emergency situations. This warning comes within the framework of ongoing efforts to raise health awareness in the Arabian Gulf region, which has high rates of diabetes compared to global averages, making health education about the complications of the disease an urgent necessity, not a luxury.

The importance of awareness of the dangers of hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is a medical emergency that occurs when blood glucose levels drop below 70 mg/dL. The danger of this condition lies in its direct impact on brain function, as the brain relies primarily on glucose for energy. Delay in treatment can lead to serious complications, including seizures, coma, or even death in severe cases. Therefore, enabling patients and their families to recognize early symptoms is the first line of defense in preventing these complications and reduces the burden on hospital emergency departments.

9 signs of low blood sugar

The council explained that the body sends warning signals before reaching the danger stage, and these include 9 key signs that should be noted:

• Sudden and excessive sweating.
• Trembling or shaking of the hands.
• Feeling extremely hungry.
• Heart palpitations and rapid pulse.
• Cold extremities.
• pallor.
• Blurred vision and blurred eyesight.
• Difficulty concentrating and mental confusion.
• Feeling generally tired and dizzy.

Causes of low blood sugar

This decrease usually occurs as a result of an imbalance between food, medication, and physical activity, and some of the most prominent causes are:

• Skipping meals or delaying their timing.
• Taking an insulin dose that exceeds the body's actual needs.
• Consuming small amounts of carbohydrates is not appropriate for the treatment dosage.
• Exercising intensively without modifying the diet or medication.

15 x 15 base for handling the case

If the patient is conscious and able to swallow, doctors recommend following the "15 x 15 rule," a global medical standard for first aid, the steps of which are:

1. Consume 15 grams of fast-absorbing carbohydrates (such as half a cup of juice, a spoonful of honey, or 3 dates).
2. Wait for 15 minutes to give the body a chance to absorb the sugar.
3. Recheck the blood sugar level; if it is still less than 70 mg/dL, repeat the steps.
4. After the sugar has stabilized, a light meal containing protein and complex carbohydrates should be eaten to stabilize the level and prevent it from dropping again.

Dealing with cases of unconsciousness

In severe cases where the patient loses consciousness, the council warned against giving them any food or drink orally to avoid choking. Instead, the patient should be immediately given a glucagon injection, if available, and transported to the nearest hospital or an ambulance should be called immediately. The council stressed the importance of informing the treating physician of any episodes of hypoglycemia so that insulin doses can be reviewed and the treatment plan adjusted to prevent future occurrences.