Knowing when and how to treat low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is crucial for both your health and your baby's well-being. Here’s a simple guide to help you manage these moments safely.
When Should You Treat Low Blood Sugar?
Low blood sugar happens when your glucose levels drop below the healthy range, typically below 60 mg/dL. Some common symptoms include:
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Sweating or chills
Shakiness
Feeling faint or weak
Rapid heartbeat
Irritability or confusion
If you experience any of these symptoms and notice that your blood sugar reading is low, take immediate action. Being mindful of these signs is key because untreated hypoglycemia can lead to more serious health risks.
How to Raise Low Blood Sugar: The Rule of 15
The Rule of 15 is a widely recommended approach for quickly bringing blood sugar levels back to a safe range.
Consume 15g of Fast-Digesting Carbs: These are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream to raise your glucose levels. Some options include:
4 oz (half a cup) of fruit juice
1 tablespoon of maple syrup, honey, or sugar
Glucose tablets (check the label for the right serving size)
1 tablespoon of regular jam or jelly
4-6 pieces of hard candy (non-sugar-free)
2. Wait 15 Minutes: After consuming your fast-digesting carbs, give your body time to absorb the sugar and raise your blood glucose levels. Don’t eat anything else during this period—wait and see how your body responds.
3. Retest Your Blood Sugar: After 15 minutes, check your blood sugar again. Ideally, it should have increased by about 15 points. If it hasn’t, repeat the process—consume another 15g of fast-acting carbs, wait another 15 minutes, and retest.
Why Low Blood Sugar Can Happen with Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes typically requires managing blood sugar through diet, exercise, and sometimes insulin or medication. However, if your carb intake is too low, or if you've taken insulin without enough food, your blood sugar may drop too far. This is more likely to happen if:
You skip or delay meals
You’ve been more active than usual without adjusting your food intake
Your insulin dosage needs adjustment
Balancing carbs with protein and fat at every meal and snack can help keep blood sugar levels stable. While managing high blood sugar is often the primary focus with gestational diabetes, keeping an eye out for potential lows is equally important.
What to Do After Treating Low Blood Sugar
Once your blood sugar has returned to a safe range, it’s important to eat a balanced snack or meal to prevent another dip. Pairing carbs with protein or fat can help stabilize your glucose levels over a longer period. For example, you could have:
A slice of whole-grain toast with peanut butter
Greek yogurt with a handful of nuts
Cheese and whole-wheat crackers
Always be mindful of the portion size and the balance of nutrients to avoid another fluctuation in your blood sugar.
Staying prepared for low blood sugar is just as important as managing highs when you have gestational diabetes. Keep fast-digesting carbs close, listen to your body, and work with your healthcare team to adjust your plan as needed.
If you’ve gone through it before or have helpful advice, share it on the HIgedi app. We’re all in this together to make the journey smoother!