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A sudden drop in blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, can be concerning and is often associated with symptoms like shakiness, sweating, confusion, dizziness, or even fainting. There are several reasons why blood sugar can drop quickly, including medication side effects, skipping meals, or intense physical activity. It’s important to address it quickly to prevent further complications.
Here’s what you can do if you experience a sudden blood sugar drop:
1. Consume Fast-Acting Carbohydrates
- Glucose tablets or gel: These are specifically designed to raise blood sugar quickly.
- Fruit juice: About 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of juice like orange or apple juice.
- Regular soda: About 4-6 ounces (1/2 cup) of soda (not diet), which contains sugar.
- Honey or sugar: A tablespoon of honey, sugar, or syrup can help.
- Candy: A few hard candies, like lifesavers or jelly beans.
2. Wait and Monitor
- After consuming something with sugar, wait about 15 minutes and recheck your blood sugar if you can. If it’s still low, repeat the process.
- Avoid consuming foods that are high in fat or protein immediately after, as they can slow the absorption of sugar.
3. Follow-Up with a Small Meal or Snack
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