2023-04-29 08:00:11
Hypoglycemia is the medical term for low blood sugar levels. To help treat it, health experts recommend using the Rule of 15. This method allows a person to safely raise their blood sugar levels when they are outside of the target range.
Blood sugar is a measure of glucose in the blood. The term “hypoglycemia” refers to low blood sugar. In general, the body is able to regulate blood sugar to keep it within an appropriate range. However, certain health conditions, such as diabetes, can make it difficult to regulate blood sugar. Various factors, such as insufficient nutrition or the administration of too much insulin, can cause a drop in blood sugar levels. Several symptoms may then appear, such as sweating, dizziness and confusion. To treat the symptoms of hypoglycemia, the blood sugar level must be raised. To do this, she can use the 15-15 rule.
In this article, we’ll discuss the 15-15 rule, carbohydrates that can quickly raise blood sugar, and how to administer glucagon.
What is the rule of 15?
The 15-15 rule…designates a method of raising blood sugar levels. The 15-15 rule is to use 15 grams (g) of sugar to raise blood sugar. After waiting 15 minutes, the person checks their blood sugar again and eats another serving of carbs if their blood sugar is still low.
How to apply the rule of 15
A person can apply the rule of 15 when their blood sugar is below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). However, this figure may vary slightly from person to person.
If a person notices symptoms that they associate with hypoglycemia, it is advisable to check their blood sugar levels and treat them if necessary.
According to the rule of 15, a person consumes 15 g of carbohydrates and checks their blood sugar again after 15 minutes. If the blood sugar is still low, she eats another 15g of carbs and waits another 15 minutes to check her blood sugar again. The person repeats these steps until their blood sugar is in range. Once the blood sugar is in range, the person should eat a nutritious meal or snack to ensure that their blood sugar stays in the range.
Doctors advise checking blood sugar more often when episodes of hypoglycemia are more likely to occur, such as in hot climates, during strenuous activity, illness or travel. Also, fiber-rich carbohydrates, such as beans, and fatty carbohydrates, such as chocolate, should be avoided. It is best to consume fast-acting carbohydrates.
The Best Carbs to Raise Blood Sugar
“Fast-acting carbohydrates” are foods or drinks that quickly raise blood sugar levels. These quick-release carbs, also known as high glycemic index (GI) foods, quickly release glucose into the bloodstream, causing blood sugar levels to spike.
In many cases, these foods are simple carbohydrates, which the body can easily and quickly use as a source of energy due to their simple structure. These are often natural sugars found in fruit or added sugars in snacks. Here are some examples of 15g of fast-acting carbs:
– 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey
– 120 to 140 ml of juice or regular soda
– about 3-4 glucose tablets
– about 3 hard or gummy candies
Treat severe hypoglycemia
While the rule of 15 can help a person manage an episode of mild hypoglycemia (glycemia between 55 and 69 mg/dL), it is unlikely that they will be able to manage an episode of severe hypoglycemia.
manage severe hypoglycemia. This is severe hypoglycaemia, ie blood sugar below 55 mg/dL.
In such situations, doctors advise using glucagon injection. Glucagon is a prescription drug that can help treat severe hypoglycemia. This is a natural hormone that works with insulin to help regulate blood sugar levels. Glucagon acts essentially the opposite of insulin. It acts on the liver and stimulates the conversion of stored glycogen into glucose. This process is known as glycogenolysis. It also promotes the production of glucose from amino acids and reduces the consumption of glucose by the liver.
Because the person with diabetes will likely not be able to self-administer the injection, it is important for caregivers to know where to find glucagon and how to administer it.
After a hypoglycemic episode
After using the Rule of 15s to treat an episode of mild hypoglycemia, a person can usually return to their usual activities once their blood sugar is within the target range. If a person needs an injection of glucagon, doctors advise them to receive emergency medical treatment. Likewise, if the person regularly suffers from low blood sugar, they should contact a doctor. The person may need to change their diabetes treatment plan. Also, after treating hypoglycemia, it is advisable to check blood sugar more often. Indeed, after a hypoglycemia, a person is more likely to suffer another. Therefore, more frequent checks should help a person quickly identify if their blood sugar is starting to drop again.
Résumé
The rule of 15 is a method of rapidly increasing blood sugar during an episode of hypoglycemia. It involves consuming 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate, then waiting 15 minutes before checking blood sugar again. A person can repeat these steps until their blood sugar is within an appropriate range.
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