• The causes include:
• Taking higher doses of certain antidiabetic medications such as insulin, sulphopnylureas (for example, glibenclamide, gliclazide), prandial glucose regulators (for example, repaglinide, nateglinide)
• Medications such as antimalarial drugs
• Deficiency of certain hormones involved in glucose metabolism e.g., cortisone
• The risk factors include:
• Delayed or skipping meals
• Not consuming enough carbohydrates
• Over exercising
• Consumption of alcohol
• Medical conditions such as hepatitis, kidney problems
• Diseases of pancreas that can lead to increased production of insulin

• Identifying the symptoms and taking immediate action is the primary preventive measure
• Let your family and friends know the symptoms of hypoglycemia so as to get timely help
• Discuss and check with your doctor if the medication doses can be altered
• Read the instruction of your medications properly to keep yourself updated on their side effects
• Take a blood test every 15-20 minutes to ensure the blood glucose levels have reached normal levels
• Wear a medical alert bracelet or badge to let people know you have episodes of hypoglycemia

Extreme (or prolonged) hypoglycemia can lead to coma and death.

Mild cases of hypoglycemia can be treated with small doses of glucose. Frequent episodes of hypoglycemia require medical help.

Medication

Sugar: In small doses to treat mild cases.

Glucose