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    Diabetes in Pregnancy: Low Blood Sugar

    How Can I Get Low Blood Sugar?
    You can get a low blood sugar (blood glucose) if you...

    • Delay a meal


    • Skip a meal or snack


    • Eat too little


    • Take too much insulin


    • Exercise more than usual


    • Drink alcohol without eating (drinking is not advised during pregnancy
    How will I Feel if My Blood Sugar is Low?
    Symptoms of low blood glucose are...
    • Headache


    • Dizziness


    • Drowsiness


    • Cold sweat


    • Difficulty concentrating


    • Pounding heart


    • Difficulty talking


    • Tingling of mouth


    • Irritability


    • Extreme hunger
    What Should I Do if My Blood Glucose Might Be Low?
    1. Sit down - Get help if available.


    2. Test your blood sugar - If your blood glucose is less than 70, eat or drink 15gms of carbohydrate (see below) or take 3 glucose tabs.


    3. Retest your blood sugar in 15 minutes - If your blood glucose has not increased at least 20 points, consume another 15 grams of carbohydrate.


    4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until blood sugar is 70 or more (x2).


    5. Continue to monitor how you feel and retest your blood sugar as indicated.
    The Following Foods Have About 15 Grams of Fast-Acting Carbohydrates:
    • 3-4 glucose tablets (with water)


    • 1 tube glucose gel


    • 1/2 cup fruit juice


    • 1/3 cup regular JELL-O® (not diet)


    • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar


    • 1 tablespoon jam or jelly (not diet)


    • 1/2 cup regular soda (not diet)


    • 6 Life Savers®


    • 4 Starbursts®


    • 1 cup fat-free milk