Abbott Freestyle PRT03831-xxx - Manual (Page 21)

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What is Hypoglycemia Unawareness?
Hypoglycemia unawareness is a condition where you are having hypoglycemia but you do not have
any of the usual warning symptoms (such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, shakiness, anxiety, or a tingling
sensation in your fingers or toes). Those warning symptoms are either absent or greatly reduced. Instead,
the first sign may be confusion or impaired thinking, which makes it even more difficult to know if you
are experiencing low blood glucose. You could find yourself in the midst of a severe hypoglycemic episode
without any warning at all.
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia Unawareness:
Because you would have missed the early warning signs of hypoglycemia, the only signs or symptoms you
may have would be due to the effects of low blood glucose on the brain:
Irritability •
Tiredness •
Confusion •
Forgetfulness •
Pale skin •
Slurred speech •
Loss of consciousness •
This condition is potentially dangerous because hypoglycemia confusion can occur without warning.
If you were driving a car or operating heavy machinery, confusion or delayed reaction could cause an
accident.
Hypoglycemia unawareness can develop for several reasons:
Having frequent hypoglycemic episodes. a.
Having long standing diabetes and autonomic neuropathy (a form of diabetic neuropathy in which b.
your body does not release its usual hormones to warn you of low blood glucose and to tell your liver to
release glucose as a protective mechanism).
If you think you have hypoglycemia unawareness, talk to your healthcare team.
Section 1 11
Getting Acquainted