
5
7. Interactions with other drugs that lower blood glucose, such as oral antidiabetic agents,190
salicylates (for example, aspirin), sulfa antibiotics, and certain antidepressants.191
8. Consumption of alcoholic beverages.192
Symptoms of mild to moderate hypoglycemia may occur suddenly and can include:193
• sweating • drowsiness194
• dizziness • sleep disturbances195
• palpitation • anxiety196
• tremor • blurred vision197
• hunger • slurred speech198
• restlessness • depressed mood199
• tingling in the hands, feet, lips, or tongue • irritability200
• lightheadedness • abnormal behavior201
• inability to concentrate • unsteady movement202
• headache • personality changes203
Signs of severe hypoglycemia can include:204
• disorientation • seizures205
• unconsciousness • death206
Therefore, it is important that assistance be obtained immediately.207
Early warning symptoms of hypoglycemia may be different or less pronounced under certain208
conditions, such as long duration of diabetes, diabetic nerve disease, use of medications such as209
beta-blockers, changing insulin preparations, or intensified control (3 or more injections per day)210
of diabetes. A few patients who have experienced hypoglycemic reactions after transfer from211
animal-source insulin to human insulin have reported that the early warning symptoms of212
hypoglycemia were less pronounced or different from those experienced with their previous213
insulin.214
Without recognition of early warning symptoms, you may not be able to take steps to avoid215
more serious hypoglycemia. Be alert for all of the various types of symptoms that may indicate216
hypoglycemia. Patients who experience hypoglycemia without early warning symptoms should217
monitor their blood glucose frequently, especially prior to activities such as driving. If the blood218
glucose is below your normal fasting glucose, you should consider eating or drinking sugar-219
containing foods to treat your hypoglycemia.220
Mild to moderate hypoglycemia may be treated by eating foods or drinks that contain sugar.221
Patients should always carry a quick source of sugar, such as candy mints or glucose tablets.222
More severe hypoglycemia may require the assistance of another person. Patients who are unable223
to take sugar orally or who are unconscious require an injection of glucagon or should be treated224
with intravenous administration of glucose at a medical facility.225
You should learn to recognize your own symptoms of hypoglycemia. If you are uncertain226
about these symptoms, you should monitor your blood glucose frequently to help you learn to227
recognize the symptoms that you experience with hypoglycemia.228
If you have frequent episodes of hypoglycemia or experience difficulty in recognizing the229
symptoms, you should consult your doctor to discuss possible changes in therapy, meal plans,230
and/or exercise programs to help you avoid hypoglycemia.231
Hyperglycemia and Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)232
Hyperglycemia (too much glucose in the blood) may develop if your body has too little insulin.233
Hyperglycemia can be brought about by any of the following:234
1. Omitting your insulin or taking less than the doctor has prescribed.235
2. Eating significantly more than your meal plan suggests.236
3. Developing a fever, infection, or other significant stressful situation.237
In patients with type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes, prolonged hyperglycemia can result in238
DKA. The first symptoms of DKA usually come on gradually, over a period of hours or days,239
and include a drowsy feeling, flushed face, thirst, loss of appetite, and fruity odor on the breath.240