How to Use This Calculator
This calculator helps you understand your risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). It's simple to use!
Step 1: Answer Questions
About Your Medications
Tell us if you take insulin or sulfonylurea pills
About Your Lifestyle
Answer questions about meals, exercise, and alcohol
About Your History
Share if you've had low blood sugar before
Step 2: Get Your Results
See Your Risk Level
Find out if your risk is low, moderate, or high
Learn Your Risk Factors
See what things increase your risk
Get Prevention Tips
Learn how to stay safe and prevent low blood sugar
How the Calculator Works
The calculator adds up points based on your answers. More points = higher risk.
What Gets Counted
Medications (High Risk)
Insulin and certain diabetes pills can lower blood sugar too much
Irregular Meals (High Risk)
Skipping meals while on medication is dangerous
Exercise Habits
Exercise lowers blood sugar - adjust your plan accordingly
Past Episodes
If you've had low blood sugar before, you're at higher risk
Awareness (Critical)
Not feeling symptoms is very dangerous
Age & Kidneys
Older age and kidney problems increase risk
Risk Level Scale
What is Hypoglycemia?
The Basics
Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar. It happens when your blood sugar drops below 70 mg/dL. Your body needs sugar (glucose) for energy. When it gets too low, you can feel sick or even pass out.
Common Symptoms:
- • Feeling shaky or dizzy
- • Sweating or feeling cold
- • Fast heartbeat
- • Feeling confused or irritable
- • Feeling very hungry
Why It Happens
Low blood sugar usually happens when you take diabetes medication but don't eat enough, or you exercise more than usual. Sometimes it happens if you drink alcohol.
Main Causes:
- • Taking too much insulin or diabetes pills
- • Skipping meals or eating late
- • Exercising without eating enough
- • Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach
Risk Factors
Things that make low blood sugar more likely to happen
High-Risk Factors
- Taking insulin or sulfonylurea pills
- Can't feel when blood sugar is low
- Had low blood sugar many times before
- Kidney problems
Medium-Risk Factors
- Skipping meals often
- Exercising a lot without adjusting food or meds
- Drinking alcohol regularly
- Being very young or over 65 years old
Lifestyle Changes
Simple things you can do to prevent low blood sugar
Eating Habits
Eat Regular Meals
Don't skip breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Eat at the same times each day.
Carry Snacks
Always have crackers, fruit, or granola bars with you.
Check Before Bed
Test your blood sugar before sleeping. Have a snack if it's low.
Exercise Safety
Test Before & After
Check your blood sugar before and after exercising.
Bring Fast Sugar
Carry glucose tablets or juice when you exercise.
Tell Someone
Let your workout buddy know you have diabetes.
How to Get Accurate Readings
Tips for checking your blood sugar correctly
Testing Tips
- Wash your hands with soap and water first
- Use a fresh lancet each time
- Check your meter's expiration date
- Keep test strips in their container
When to Test
- Before meals and snacks
- Before, during, and after exercise
- Before bedtime
- Whenever you feel strange or sick
When to Seek Emergency Care
Get help immediately if you or someone else has these signs:
🚨 Call 911 Right Away If:
- Person passes out or can't wake up
- Having a seizure (shaking uncontrollably)
- Can't swallow or drink
- Blood sugar stays below 70 after treatment
⚠️ Call Your Doctor Soon If:
- You have low blood sugar often (more than 2-3 times per week)
- You can't feel when your blood sugar is low
- Your blood sugar drops at night while you sleep
💡 Quick Treatment (15-15 Rule):
- Eat 15 grams of fast sugar (4 glucose tablets, 4 oz juice, or 1 tablespoon honey)
- Wait 15 minutes
- Test your blood sugar again
- If still below 70, repeat steps 1-3