Hajj Tips: How to curb low blood sugar

Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare offers a few tips to follow over the Hajj to avoid the adverse effects of low blood sugar.

• Consume your meals and snacks regularly and do not skip any.
• Take your diabetes medications as advised by your physician.
• Regularly monitor your blood sugar to ensure it remains within a normal level.
• If you experience low blood sugar more often than usual, visit the nearest emergency center to adjust your medication. Always be ready to treat your low blood sugar by consuming a half cup of fruit juice, regular soft drink (not diet) or a portion of jam or honey. If it is high, remain calm and measure it again in 15 minutes. If it is still low, repeat your intake of juice or sugar. You should then be able to consume a healthy snack or sandwich and resume your Hajj rites.
• Inform your Hajj companions not to feed you any food or drink if you are in a coma due to severe low blood sugar. If you take insulin as part of your diabetes treatment, carry a Glucagon kit so you can receive an injection.