Low Blood Sugar And Seizures

Should I Take Extra Minerals

Persons with epilepsy very seldom need to take extra sodium, calcium, or magnesium for seizure control. If your doctor finds that you have low levels in your body and no underlying disorder is identified, it may be reasonable to change your diet or take a mineral supplement. Taking extra doses of certain minerals can help to prevent side effects that may follow the long-term use of some seizure medicines. Check the specific information about the medicines you take to see if this applies to you.

How Can I Prevent Low Blood Glucose

All people with diabetes:

• If you experience low blood glucose often, ask your doctor if setting a higher goal for your A1C level may be appropriate.
• Ask your doctor to look at the test results from your home blood glucose monitor. These results reveal how often you have low blood glucose and when these episodes occur. Your doctor will look for patterns to see if low glucose happens after exercise or at certain times of day, for example.
• If you’ve had low blood glucose in the past, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet so that others will know that you have diabetes in the event of an emergency.
• Keep a fast-acting carbohydrate in your bag, desk drawer, car and other places for easy access. Good options include hard candy, fruit juice or glucose paste or tablets, which can be purchased at most pharmacies.
• Ask your doctor for an emergency glucagon kit. This kit contains a fast- acting medication that can be injected in case of loss of consciousness because of low blood glucose. Keep one kit at home and one at work or school.
• Monitor your blood glucose regularly so that low levels can be corrected before symptoms progress.

The Dangers Of Low Blood Glucose

At some time, most people with diabetes experience the sweating and shakiness that occurs when blood glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dl a condition known as hypoglycemia. The average person with type 1 diabetes may experience symptoms of low blood glucose up to two times a week. However, not all are aware that these symptoms can rapidly progress to seizures, coma and even death if hypoglycemia is severe. Though hypoglycemia can be common and occur repeatedly in some people with diabetes, symptoms of low blood glucose should always be taken seriously. People with diabetes and their families, friends or coworkers should be prepared to act quickly and responsibly at the earliest signs of low blood glucose.

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What Is The Difference Between A Diabetic Seizure And An Epileptic Seizure

The symptoms of seizures can appear the same in diabetes and epilepsy, but the biggest difference is that a seizure caused by hypoglycemia can cause a diabetic patient to fall into a coma if not treated immediately. Some people with epilepsy recover immediately after a seizure, while others may take minutes to hours to feel as they did before the seizure. During this time, they may feel tired, sleepy, weak, or confused.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Epilepsy: Hope Through Research, NINDS, Publication date April 2015. NIH Publication No. 15156. Accessed August 23, 2017.

American Diabetes Association. Oral Medications. What are my Options? March 3, 2015. Accessed August 23, 2017.

Now Is Endocrinologa Diabetes Y Nutricin More Information

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Optimization of treatment of diabetes mellitus involves an increased risk of hypoglycemia,13 which may be asymptomatic.4 On the other hand, seizures may be triggered by hypoglycemia,5,6 and the monitoring of patients with both diabetes and epilepsy therefore requires special attention.

Continuous glucose monitoring record. Blood glucose recording, pump activity, and alarms of the continuous glucose monitoring system are shown: Alarms for low glucose readings. Alarms for pump stop. Alarms for discrepancy between the sensor-recorded and manual calibration values. Time of seizure.

We thank Sandra Iglesias, from Medtronic, for her assistance in interpretation of recording results.

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What Actions To Take If A Person Beside You Shows Diabetes Seizures

One of the essential things to do when a person experiences diabetic seizures is to provide immediate treatment for them.

If you notice the early symptoms of diabetic seizures and they are conscious,

1. Give them a glucose tablet which they often carry on themselves. Or put honey or sweet syrup under their cheeks and observe their conditions.

If you see a person experiencing extreme diabetic seizures and unconscious,

1. Get medical help. Call the emergency medical assistance available near.

2. Prevent any form of injury. Help the person to the floor while making enough space for them and around them.

3. Carefully observe their state, such as how long did seizure occur, how did their body move, and how was the person acting before.

4. Do not them anything to eat or any fluid unless they are completely awake. Because this may cause choking

5. Do not inject any insulin, as this cause the blood sugar levels to fall further low

6. Give Glucagon, a hormone that stimulates the release of sugar in the blood, through injection or nasally

How Often Do Diabetic Seizures Occur

They can occur as often as the blood sugar drops to a dangerous level. After having one diabetic seizure, there is a 30% chance of having another one in the next three years, and up to a 50% chance of having another one in your lifetime. This is because the threshold has decreased.

40% of people that are treated with insulin experience severe hypoglycemia. Knowing how to identify and treat the early signs of low blood sugar are very important to prevent having a seizure and all of the complications that can come with it.

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Can It Work For Children

The research team is now expanding their investigations to a larger age group, including children ages 3-15. A lot of parents whose children have diabetes are getting up night after night at midnight and 3 a.m. to check their childrens blood-sugar levels, Buckingham said. We think this type of system is going to make it much easier for them to feel comfortable about letting their child with diabetes sleep through the night with fewer overnight sugar tests. Parents will be able to get a better nights sleep, too.

In addition to Buckingham, the research team included the studys lead author, David Maahs, MD, PhD, assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado Anshutz Medical Campus, and senior author Roy Beck, MD, PhD, executive director of the Jaeb Center for Health Research Inc. in Tampa, Fla. Other Stanford co-authors of the study were Tandy Aye, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics, and Darrell Wilson, MD, professor of pediatrics. Aye and Wilson are also pediatric endocrinologists at Lucile Packard Childrens Hospital Stanford.

Head To A Complete Care Er For Emergency Diabetic Seizure Treatment

Now that you know the answer to What does a diabetic seizure look like? you hopefully feel more prepared to handle a diabetic seizure should it come your way. When you start noticing symptoms such as confusion or muscle weakness, try eating some fast-acting sugars. If that does not help and symptoms progress into convulsions or loss of consciousness, its time to seek emergency care.

Complete Care offers 24/7 hospital care with shorter wait times than your standard ER. We have ER locations all across Colorado and Texas , each fully equipped with onsite imaging and lab capabilities. During your time of need, Complete Care is here for you.

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Blood Sugars In Children With Idiopathic Seizures

• Study Details

Convulsive disorders are among the most frequently occurring neurologic conditions in children. Idiopathic seizures are the most common type of seizure seen in the 0-15 year age group. The highest incidence is in the first year of life. In the United States, 5 percent of individuals experience a seizure of some type by the age of 20.

Seizures have multiple etiologies. These include hypoglycemia, congenital causes, toxic/metabolic causes, infection, neoplasm, perinatal causes, and trauma. The medical evaluation often includes blood work, imaging of the brain, and performing an electroencephalogram. Currently, there is no consensus as to the work-up of children presenting with unprovoked seizures.

Hypoglycemia And Low Blood Sugar

What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia? While each child may experience symptoms of hypoglycemia differently, the most common include: shakiness dizziness sweating hunger headache irritability pale skin color sudden moodiness or behavior changes, such as crying for no apparent reason clumsy or jerky movements difficulty paying attention or confusion What causes hypoglycemia? The vast majority of episodes of hypoglycemia in children and adolescents occur when a child with diabetes takes too much insulin, eats too little, or exercises strenuously or for a prolonged period of time. For young children who do not have diabetes, hypoglycemia may be caused by: Single episodes: Stomach flu, or another illness that may cause them to not eat enough fasting for a prolonged period of time prolonged strenuous exercise and lack of food Recurrent episodes: accelerated starvation, also known as ketotic hypoglycemia, a tendency for children without diabetes, or any other known cause of hypoglycemia, to experience repeated hypoglycemic episodes. medications your child may be taking a congenital error in metabolism or unusual disorder such as hypopituitarism or hyperinsulinism.Continue reading > >

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Causes Of A Seizure In Someone With Diabetes

Numerous factors may contribute to a person with diabetes having a seizure, but they all are associated with extremely low blood sugar. These include:

• Taking too much insulin

• Hallucinations

The next phase of symptoms, which can lead to a diabetic seizure, includes a person becoming non-communicative and staring into space. They may also experience uncontrollable body movements, convulsions, and muscle contractions. A person who is having a seizure and may even lose consciousness. Its crucial that you dial 911 immediately if youre with someone who is having a seizure.

How To Help Someone Having A Seizure

If youre with someone with diabetes who is experiencing a seizure from severe low blood sugar, dial 911 immediately. Then do the following:

• Inject glucagon as soon as possible
• If you have cake icing or glucose gel that can absorb directly into their bloodstream through the gums and cheek, give it to the person if you cannot find glucagon
• Clear space so the person does not hit anything or hurt themselves
• Do not attempt to give the person fluids or food, because they will not be able to swallow anything and they may choke
• Do not inject insulin, as this will cause blood sugar levels to drop even more
• Wait with the person until emergency medical help arrives

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How To Prevent A Diabetic Seizure

One of the best ways to handle diabetic seizures is to make sure they dont happen in the first place. With certain preventative measures and proactive action, it is possible to avoid having a diabetic seizure or at the very least, mitigate symptoms at their onset.

To prevent a diabetic seizure:

• Closely monitor your blood sugar throughout the day, taking note of how it responds to various stimuli
• Eat regular, well-balanced meals containing healthy fat, protein, and carbohydrates
• Do not skip meals or snacks
• Take any medication as prescribed
• Listen to your body and respond appropriately when you notice starting signs of low blood sugar
• Always carry fast-acting sugars or glucose tabs

When in doubt, it never hurts to establish a plan on how to prevent and handle diabetic seizures with your doctor. Together, you can develop a diabetes emergency action plan.

Preventing A Low Blood Sugar Level

If you have diabetes, you can reduce your chance of getting a low blood sugar level if you:

• Check your blood sugar level regularly and be aware of the symptoms of a low blood sugar level so you can treat it quickly.
• Use a continuous glucose monitor or flash monitor to see how your blood sugar levels are changing. Ask your diabetes care team about getting a monitor if you do not already have one.
• Always carry a sugary snack or drink with you, such as glucose tablets, a carton of fruit juice or some sweets. If you have a glucagon injection kit, always keep it with you.
• Do not skip meals.
• Be careful when drinking alcohol. Do not drink large amounts, check your blood sugar level regularly, and eat a carbohydrate snack afterwards.
• Be careful when exercising eating a carbohydrate snack before exercise can help to reduce the risk of a hypo. If you take some types of diabetes medicine, your doctor may recommend you take a lower dose before or after doing intense exercise.
• Have a carbohydrate snack, such as toast, if your blood sugar level drops too low while you’re asleep .

If you keep getting a low blood sugar level, talk to your diabetes care team about things you can do to help prevent it.

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Ask Dmine: All About Seizures And Cold Funky Feet

Who doesnt sometimes need help navigating life with diabetes? Thats why we offer Ask DMine, our weekly advice column, hosted by veteran type 1, diabetes author and community educator Wil Dubois. This week hes offering some thoughts on diabetes and seizures, and well, funky toenail concerns.

: Im 22 and Ive been a diagnosed diabetic for 8 years. My A1Cs are always under 6%. Ive been reading a lot of diabetic blogs and diabetic support group stuff, and Ive noticed that a lot of type 1s have had seizures. Ive never had one, but I did have an absolutely insane roommate that claimed that I might not even know if I had had one. Is there any reality to this? Could I have had a seizure and not known about it? I read that the seizures themselves do raise your blood sugar.

Coma, seizure, and death. The three horsemen of the diabetes apocalypse. Google that trio of words and youll get around 8 million hits. Thats a whole bunch of comas, seizures, and deaths.

In point of fact, a diabetic seizure is a series of muscle convulsions similar to an epileptic seizure. Both are caused by confused neurons in the brain.

Or she could just be the fourth horsemen .

How Does Someone Feel After A Seizure

Many people will not remember having the seizure. If it goes unwitnessed, some may not even know that they are having them.

Although all individuals experience them differently, some common post seizure effects include:

• Difficulty concentrating
• A general not feeling well state

These effects can last a day or two after a seizure is experienced. As mentioned above, everyone is different. For someone that does not physically convulse, they may only have a hard time concentrating and not general achiness. It is very important to be in tune with your body and know when something is not right.

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What Happens To Your Body When You Have A Diabetic Seizure

Most individuals or loved ones of those with diabetes are familiar with the terms insulin and blood glucose, but for those who are not, insulin is a hormone created by the pancreas that is responsible for metabolizing blood glucose . In other words, insulin helps your body use blood glucose for energy. With diabetes, you either cannot produce insulin or your body cant use it properly .

As your body uses up its blood glucose stores, and if that sugar is not replaced, the amount in your bloodstream lessens, causing symptoms of low blood sugar including diabetic seizures. A diabetic seizure can also be referred to as diabetic shock or severe hypoglycemia and can be triggered by an event that causes your body to need more available blood glucose than it has.

Although diabetic ketoacidosis is commonly a complication of high blood sugar, it can occur as a result of low blood sugar. Therefore, if you have diabetes, its important to recognize the signs and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis such as fruity breath and high ketone levels. Untreated diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to diabetic seizures, diabetic comas, and in serious cases can even be fatal.

Keep reading: What happens if DKA is left untreated?

What Is The Link Between Diabetes And Epilepsy

Right now scientists are not exactly sure why people with diabetes seem more likely to also have epilepsy. One theory suggests that diabetes can cause certain changes in the brain, including brain damage or lesions. Some types of damage to the brain may make epilepsy more likely to develop.

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For Slumbering Diabetics A Way To Detect Low Blood Sugar And Stop Insulin Delivery

May 7, 2014 – By Erin Digitale

Bruce Buckingham

New research could soon make it easier for people with type-1 diabetes to get a safe nights sleep, says a Stanford University School of Medicine scientist who led the study.

In a large trial conducted in patients homes in the United States and Canada, scientists demonstrated that they could predict and prevent dangerously low overnight blood sugars in adolescents and adults with type-1 diabetes.

Very low blood-sugar levels can cause seizures or even, in rare cases, death. People with type-1 diabetes often sense warning signs of low blood sugar when they are awake, but not during sleep, explaining why 75 percent of diabetic seizures occur at night.

The new study, published online May 7 in Diabetes Care, coupled a glucose sensor worn under the skin to an insulin pump that was connected wirelessly to a computer at the bedside. The computer ran an algorithm that calculated when a low blood-sugar level might occur and then temporarily suspended insulin delivery until the sugar level was trending upward. This occurred without waking the patient. The shutoffs reduced the cumulative time patients spent with low blood sugars during sleep by 81 percent, with only a minimal increase in nighttime glucose levels.