Hypoglycemia or low blood sugars can affect any age group but is frequently misunderstood. A low blood sugar or hypoglycemia occurs when the level of sugar in the blood drops to a level that is too low. Sugar (or glucose) provides our body the energy it needs, particularly for our brain. A small decrease in sugar may leave you feeling uncomfortable, fatigue and or confusion. When you understand what hypoglycemia is, why it occurs, how to identify symptoms of hypoglycemia, and how to avoid low blood sugar will allow you to better manage your health and avoid serious problems.
What Is Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)?
Hypoglycemia (hypo-glyc-e-mia) is when your blood sugar level drops below 70 mg/dl causing you to lack energy or have poor memory. Blood sugar is derived from food and does so in coordination with insulin (insulin) produced by the pancreas. If this balance is disrupted, then blood sugar levels can drop low.
Although the majority of individuals have diabetes, some non-diabetic individuals can have hypoglycemia as a result of their diet, medications, or other medical conditions. If hypoglycemia is not treated immediately, it can progress to seizures, loss of consciousness, and/or death.
Common Causes of Hypoglycemia
Knowing what causes hypoglycemia will help prevent it. The reasons for having low blood sugar are different based on whether the person has diabetes or not.
1. Medications for diabetes
The most common cause of hypoglycemia for people with diabetes is a result of medications taken to lower their glucose levels:
– Too much insulin
– Sulfonylurea medications.
These medications can lower a diabetic person’s blood glucose levels if they miss or delay meals and lead to a hypoglycemic episode.
2. Missing or delaying meals
Not eating a meal at the usual time, eating too little food or not eating enough calories can all cause blood glucose levels to drop sharply.
3. Excessive exercising
Exercising causes an individual to use up glucose that is stored in their body for energy, if an individual does not eat enough food either before or after exercising their blood glucose levels could drop too low.
4. Drinking alcohol
Drinking alcohol can interfere with the liver’s ability to release glucose into the bloodstream. It is important to note that when alcohol is consumed on an empty stomach it can usually cause an individual blood glucose levels to drop.
5. Medical conditions
Hypoglycemia can occur due to a variety of medical conditions that include:
– Liver disease
– Kidney disease
– Hormonal deficiencies.
– Certain types of tumors that produce too much insulin.
6. Illness or infection
Being sick can cause a person to have a fever, vomiting or have a prolonged illness which can disrupt blood glucose balance and result in hypoglycemia.
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Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
Awareness of the signs of hypoglycemia is important to get treatment before the situation becomes more serious. There may be many different intensity levels of symptoms and they can occur quickly.
Warning Signs from Early Symptoms
- Shakiness/Trembling
- Sweating
- Hunger
- Dizziness/Lightheadedness
- Fast heart rate
- Anxiety/Irritability
- Moderately Severe Symptoms
- Headache
- Blurred Vision
- Trouble Concentrating
- Weakness/Fatigue
- Confusion
Severe (Life Threatening) Symptoms
- Slurred Speech
- Loss of Coordination
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
How Is Low Blood Sugar Diagnosed?
Hypoglycemia is diagnosed by doctors through assessments of:
- Blood glucose levels through blood glucose testing
- History of symptoms
- Patient history and a review of their medications
Persons with diabetes can identify low blood glucose early by doing regular self-testing with the glucometer.
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Prevention Tips for Low Blood Sugar
Through lifestyle changes and being aware, hypoglycemia can be avoided. Below are some key tips to prevent low blood sugar from occurring:
- Consume Meals That Are Balanced & Regular; They Should Feature Complex Carbs, Proteins & Actually Good Fats. All Three Will Help You Maintain Steady Blood Sugar Levels.
- Keep A Close Eye On The Levels Of Your Blood Sugar – Especially If You Have Diabetes. You Should Be Aware Of How Food, Exercise & Medications Are Affecting Your Levels Of Blood Sugar.
- Be Cautious When Changing Your Medications – Always Follow The Instructions Of Your Physician If You Need To Change Your Dosage.
- Be Smart When Working Out – Working Out Is Good, But Make Sure You Are Eating A Healthy Diet In Addition To Working Out. Eat A Snack Prior To Long/Heavy Workouts To Avoid Low Blood Sugar.
- Drink Alcohol In Moderation – If You Drink Alcohol (Preferably While Eating) Only Do So Sparingly.
- Keep Fast-Acting Snacks On Hand To Raise Your Blood Sugar If It Drops Too Low – Glucose Tablets/Juice/Snack Food Should Be Available For Immediate Consumption When You Have A Sudden Decrease In Blood Sugar.
- Show Your Friends and Family How To Recognize The Signs Of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) To Be Able To Help You In An Emergency Where Your Blood Sugar Is Low.
Conclusion
The impact of Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia) can not be underestimated or ignored. Realizing your symptoms early, finding out why the symptoms occur, and establishing plans for preventing them can help you to stay safe and feel well. People with Diabetes, or individuals who occasionally or intermittently have Low Blood Sugar, require prompt medical intervention to avoid serious complications.
At Shekhawati Hospital Jaipur we offer you a comprehensive assortment of services to help you with any Blood Sugar Related Problems Regardless if they are high or low blood sugars. The doctors we employ will give you an accurate diagnosis, set up an individualized plan for your care and educate you on your way to living healthy and being healthy.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of Low Blood Sugar you should reach out to us as soon as possible for medical help so your health and safety are taken care of immediately.
FAQs
1 – What is the first thing I am supposed to do if I have a low blood sugar?
Ans. The first thing you should do if you have a low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is to consume some rapidly digestible carbohydrates or sugars in a manner that will raise your blood sugar levels by approximately 15-20 grams in size and retest your blood sugar levels after waiting for approximately 15 minutes.
2 – Can people who do not have diabetes; have a hypoglycemic reaction?
Ans. Yes, non-diabetic individuals can experience hypoglycemic reactions. They may have not consumed food for an extended amount of time or they may have over-exercised, consumed too much alcohol or have had another medical issue.
3 – Is there a danger to someone having a hypoglycemic episode?
Ans. Mild hypoglycemic episodes are typically manageable; however, severe episodes may not be treated promptly enough and could become life threatening.
