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How to Avoid Low Blood Sugar – Be Prepared

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When you are pregnant with diabetes and trying to have tight control of your blood sugar levels, you are at higher risk for low blood sugar or hypoglycemia.  I cannot stress enough how important it is to be prepared.  There were many times I jumped into the car unprepared thinking I was only going to be gone for a minute but ended up gone for much longer and found myself experiencing a low.

These were quick trips to the convenience store, to the bank, dropping someone off somewhere, a quick drive home.  It’s okay, I’d think, I’m only going to be out for a couple minutes.  The fact is, your car will break down and have flats.  There will be accidents and construction.  Someone may call with an emergency or ask for a “quick favor” which escalates into something much more complicated and you find yourself having low blood sugar.  Be prepared whenever you leave home, especially if you drive alone.

What does it mean to be prepared?

Give it some thought, and come up with a plan or system that works for you.  For me, it was a little cloth insulated lunch box that I loaded up with an apple, cheese, candy or glucose tabs, glucose gel, drinks, and other snacks.  These snacks could be granola bars, sandwiches, cracker sandwiches, etc.  I was able to throw my insulin and needles into the bag as well.  I would carry an over-sized bag with all the other stuff I needed to tote around.  The glucose gel (some people use cake gel) is handy if you are nauseous and can’t keep anything down.  You can rub it into your gums.  Make sure and talk to your doctor about other things you can carry or do when you feel yourself getting low.

For more information on hypoglycemia and how to treat, read Hypoglycemia (Low blood glucose) on the American Diabetes Association’s site.

 

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