Hypoglycemia

When you and/or your parent checks your blood glucose, it's important to know what to do if your results are outside of your target range. When your blood glucose is below your target range, you are probably experiencing hypoglycemia.

Hypoglycemia (also known as an "insulin reaction," or just "low blood glucose") occurs when blood glucose goes too low. Hypoglycemia can be caused by many things: too much insulin, not enough food, too much exercise, eating late, or eating too little carbohydrate. In short, it happens when insulin and blood glucose are out of balance.

People without diabetes usually don't get hypoglycemia. Their body can tell when it has enough insulin and stops releasing it automatically. But people with diabetes have to figure out how much insulin their body will need. Once the insulin is injected, it keeps working until it's gone, even if the blood glucose goes too low.

Mild or moderate (average) hypoglycemia is pretty common for children and adults who take insulin. But it can be dangerous if it's not treated right away. Mild or moderate hypoglycemia can get dangerously low pretty quickly. Hypoglycemia that low could lead to a coma. So knowing about hypoglycemia is very important, not just for you and your parents, but for family, friends, teachers, and coaches.

Signs & Symptoms
Learn about the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia.

Nighttime Lows
Find out what nighttime lows are and how to prevent them.

Treating Mild Hypoglycemia
Learn how to treat mild and moderate hypoglycemia.

Preventing & Treating Severe Hypoglycemia
Find out how to prevent and treat severe hypoglycemia.