Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia is a condition when blood sugar or glucose levels in the body are below normal levels. If glucose levels are very low, the muscles and cells in the brain will lack energy so they cannot work properly.
Low blood sugar can occur in a person who has not eaten for several hours. However, low blood sugar is more common in people with diabetes due to the use of insulin or antidiabetic drugs taken by mouth. The risk of lowering blood sugar will be greater in people with diabetes who exercise more vigorously than usual, eat less than usual or follow an overly restrictive diet, and drink alcohol.
How to Prevent Low Blood Sugar
For those of you who are prone to hypoglycemia, or people with diabetes who want to avoid low blood sugar, the following ways can be done to prevent this condition from occurring:
- Memcheck rate blood sugar regularlyBe diligent about checking blood sugar levels as recommended by your doctor. You can check your blood sugar yourself using a glucometer (a blood sugar measuring device) at home. Learn how to use it according to the instructions for use of the tool or doctor's directions.
- Set a regular diet
Try to set a meal schedule into three large meals interspersed with snacks. Schedule your meals to be every four or five hours, and never skip meals. Don't forget to replace the calories that were wasted if you feel you have been doing more activities than usual.
- Choose a balanced diet
Consumption of a balanced diet can help prevent you from low blood sugar conditions. Make sure to include enough protein, such as skinless chicken, fish, eggs, soybeans, or tofu and tempeh, in your diet. Protein will help keep the sugar last longer as long as it is absorbed by the body.
In addition, do not miss the complex carbohydrates that can be obtained from brown rice or whole wheat bread. Complete your healthy diet with fruits that are natural sources of sugar, such as watermelon, bananas, pears, mangoes and grapes.
- Ready snack
Prepare snacks that contain carbohydrates and protein at work, at home, or on the go. Snacks or snacks, such as snack bar, nuts, or dried fruit, can help prevent low blood sugar.
- Follow the doctor's instructionsYou who suffer from diabetes are advised to always obey the doctor's instructions in taking antidiabetic drugs, including insulin. Diet rules from your doctor or nutritionist must also be followed. The goal is to keep blood sugar stable and avoid complications of the disease.
Controlling blood sugar levels to avoid low blood sugar does require discipline, especially in regulating diet. But sometimes eating patterns is not enough, so don't hesitate to consult a doctor to get the right treatment.
