Signs of Low Blood Sugar
Even if you’re successful at managing your diabetes, your blood sugar may still
get low from time to time.
This is called hypoglycemia, and if left untreated, it can be very serious. Severe
hypoglycemia can be dangerous and can cause harm to your heart or brain. It may
cause unconsciousness, seizures, or death. It’s important to know the signs so you
can act quickly.
Common causes of low blood sugar are illness, emotional or physical stress, too
much insulin, too little food or missed meals, and too much exercise or activity.
The importance of checking your blood sugar
Checking your blood sugar regularly and as directed by your doctor is part of managing
diabetes. The results will tell you when your sugar is low and that you need to
treat it. Because signs and symptoms of low blood sugar can be non-specific, it
is important to check your blood sugar, if possible, when you suspect it may be
low. Some people have few or no warning symptoms.
The signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Some signs and symptoms of low blood sugar include:
- Shakiness
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Clumsy movements
- Sudden changes in behavior
How to treat low blood sugar
If you have hypoglycemia, you can raise your blood sugar with something that contains
glucose—an apple, juice, some pieces of candy, or glucose tablet. Wait 15 or 20
minutes and check your blood sugar levels again. If they’re still low and the symptoms
don't go away, repeat the treatment. Check with your doctor on how much to take
to be sure not to overtreat.
"When I first started taking LANTUS®, the doctor and I worked on the dosage until we found what worked for me."
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Important Safety Information for Lantus®
Do not take Lantus® if you are allergic to insulin or any of the inactive ingredients
in Lantus®.
You must test your blood sugar levels while using insulin, such as Lantus®.
Do not make any changes to your dose or type of insulin without talking to your
healthcare provider. Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under
medical supervision.
Do NOT dilute or mix Lantus® with any other insulin or solution.
It will not work as intended and you may lose blood sugar control, which could be
serious. Lantus® must only be used if the solution is clear and colorless with
no particles visible. Do not share needles, insulin pens or syringes with others.
The most common side effect of insulin, including Lantus®, is low blood
sugar (hypoglycemia), which may be serious. Some people may experience
symptoms such as shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, and blurred vision. Severe hypoglycemia
may be serious and life threatening. It may cause harm to your heart or brain. Other
possible side effects may include injection site reactions, including changes in
fat tissue at the injection site, and allergic reactions, including itching and
rash. In rare cases, some allergic reactions may be life threatening.
Tell your doctor about other medicines and supplements you are taking because they
can change the way insulin works. Before starting Lantus®, tell your doctor
about all your medical conditions including if you have liver or kidney problems,
are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding or planning to
breast-feed.
Lantus® SoloSTAR® is a disposable prefilled insulin pen. Please talk to your healthcare
provider about proper injection technique and follow instructions in the Instruction
Leaflet that accompanies the pen.
Click here for full prescribing information for Lantus®.
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