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Below 70? The 15-15 rule

All forDiabetes

Diabetes mellitus, Type 2 MISCELLANEOUS

All for DiabetesPublished August 10, 20061 min read

Key points

  • PREGNANCY Diabetes can cause significant maternal complications and fetal wasting.
  • Intensive management has improved the outcome dramatically.

ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS

  • Hypertension is common (see treatment above)
  • Hyperlipidemia
  • Impotence

AGE-RELATED FACTORS

Pediatric: The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in children is increasing dramatically, possibly related to increases in childhood obesity

Geriatric: Common in the elderly and is a significant contributing factor to blindness, renal failure, and lower limb amputations

Others: Generally diagnosed after age 40

PREGNANCY

Diabetes can cause significant maternal complications and fetal wasting. Intensive management has improved the outcome dramatically.

SYNONYMS

  • Adult onset diabetes mellitus
  • Nonketotic diabetes mellitus
  • NIDDM

ICD-9-CM

250.00 Diabetes mellitus without mention of complication, type 2 or unspecified type, not stated as uncontrolled

250.02 Diabetes mellitus without mention of complication, type 2 or unspecified type, uncontrolled

The content on this site is for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If someone with diabetes is confused, unconscious or cannot swallow, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Filed underType 2 DiabetesDiabetes News

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Low blood sugar

Below 70? Use the 15-15 rule.

Hypoglycemia can happen to anyone who takes insulin or certain diabetes tablets. Treat it straight away. If someone is confused, unconscious or can’t swallow, don’t give food or drink: use glucagon if it is available and call 911 or your local emergency number.

Call 911

Common signs

  • Shaking or trembling
  • Sweating, clammy skin
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Dizziness
  • Hunger
  • Confusion or irritability
  1. STEP 115 gTake fast-acting sugar4 oz (½ cup) of juice or regular soda, 4 glucose tablets, or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey.
  2. STEP 215 minWait, then recheckStill below 70 mg/dL? Take another 15 g and check again.
  3. STEP 3SnackOnce back in rangeEat a meal or snack if your next one is more than an hour away.

Based on American Diabetes Association guidance. Your care team may give you a different plan, for example for children or after severe lows. Outside the US, call your local emergency number.