Hypoglycemia: Understanding Low Blood Sugar
Hypoglycemia is a condition that occurs when the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood drops to abnormally low levels. Glucose is the main source of energy for the body and is required for proper functioning of the brain, muscles and other vital organs. When there is not enough glucose in the blood, the body goes into “emergency mode” and releases hormones to raise the blood sugar levels. This results in symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, confusion, sweating and tremors.
Hypoglycemia is most commonly seen in people with diabetes who are taking insulin or oral hypoglycemic drugs. However, it can also occur in people who do not have diabetes and is known as “non-diabetic hypoglycemia”.
What is Diabetes
Diabetes occurs when the pancreas produces insufficient amount of insulin. It also occurs if the body does not respond to insulin. People should have knowledge to manage Diabetes for staying healthy.
[Also Read What is Type 1 diabetes]
[Also Read What is Type 2 Diabetes: Symptoms and Cure]
Understanding Low Blood Sugar
Hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar, is a condition characterized by an abnormally low level of glucose in the blood. Glucose is the primary source of energy for the body and is essential for proper functioning of the brain and other vital organs.
People suffering from Diabetes get hypoglycemia i.e. Low blood sugar level as their body lacks enough sugar to use as fuel.
The reason for Diabetes can be any like diet, medications, exercise, etc.
If a person is having hypoglycemia, then they need to write the date and time of its happening and the course of action taken .Then share this record with your doctor to enable him to adjust your medicine.
Differences Between Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia
Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia are medical terms that describe low and high blood sugar levels, respectively.
Hypoglycemia is a condition where the glucose (sugar) levels in the blood drop too low, usually below 70 mg/dL. Symptoms include fatigue, shakiness, confusion, sweating, and rapid heartbeat.
Hyperglycemia, on the other hand, is a condition where the glucose levels in the blood are too high, often above 130 mg/dL. Symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, and blurred vision.
Both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia can be serious and require medical attention, especially if they occur frequently or become severe. Hypoglycemia is often treated by consuming a fast-acting source of glucose, while hyperglycemia can be treated by adjusting medication, increasing physical activity, and/or changing the diet.
Is Hypoglycemia is More Dangerous Than Hyperglycemia
Not necessarily, both hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) can be dangerous if left untreated. Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms such as confusion, tremors, sweating, and even loss of consciousness. On the other hand, hyperglycemia can lead to serious health complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis and cardiovascular disease. Both conditions require prompt medical attention. It is important for individuals with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly and manage their condition with the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Causes of Hypoglycemia
There are several causes of hypoglycemia. The most common cause is an overdose of insulin or oral hypoglycemic drugs. This can happen when a person takes too much insulin, misses a meal or snacks or exercises more than usual. In people with diabetes, hypoglycemia can also occur when the insulin is absorbed too quickly, causing a rapid drop in blood sugar levels.
Another cause of hypoglycemia is the overproduction of insulin. This can happen in people with tumors of the pancreas that produce insulin, known as insulinomas. People with liver or kidney disease can also develop hypoglycemia as these organs are responsible for removing excess glucose from the blood.
Non-diabetic hypoglycemia can occur as a result of an autoimmune disease that affects the pancreas, or as a result of consuming alcohol. Alcohol interferes with the liver’s ability to produce glucose, causing hypoglycemia. It can also occur in people who have undergone surgery to remove part of their small intestine, as this affects their ability to absorb glucose.
Common Causes
- Overdose of insulin or oral medications used to treat diabetes
- Skipping meals or going without food for long periods of time
- Excessive exercise or physical activity
- Alcohol consumption
- Certain medical conditions such as liver disease or adrenal gland disorders
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia
Generally people start getting symptoms of Hypoglycemia when their Level of Blood Sugar is 70 milligrams per deciliter or lower.
As far as Symptoms of Hypoglycemia are concerned, then every individual has different symptoms of hypoglycemia are listed below
Early symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Tremors
- Sweating
- Headache
- Hunger
- Rapid heartbeat
- Numbness in the lips or tongue
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty speaking
If left untreated, hypoglycemia can progress and lead to more serious symptoms such as unconsciousness or seizures. It is important to treat hypoglycemia as soon as possible by consuming a source of glucose, such as fruit juice, candy, or a glucose gel.
[Also Read Symptoms of High Blood Sugar]
Diet and Hypoglycemia
If one intakes too much of insulin, one can get low blood sugar level. To quote an example, it can happen after intake of meal containing lot of simple sugars or if you don’t eat a full meal or your timing of intake of food is abrupt.
[Also Read Diabetes Diet: Make Your Healthy Food Choices and Eating Plan]
Treatment for Hypoglycemia
In people with diabetes, it is important to maintain a balanced diet and to monitor blood sugar levels regularly. Avoiding high-sugar foods, such as candy and soda, is also important to prevent episodes of hypoglycemia. If you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia, it is important to take action immediately to raise your blood sugar levels. This may include consuming a source of glucose, such as fruit juice or candy, or seeking medical attention if you are unable to do so.
Avoid high fat food and intake of Glucose tablets or Glucose gel. Further, this will not suffice the purpose of increase in blood sugar level. Some real food is required.
If blood sugar level is more than 80 mg/dL, and you are feeling symptoms of hypoglycemia, then all natural peanut butter with no sugar is good.
In case you have blood sugar level at 70-80 mg/dL, then peanut butter and crackers is a good option.
On the other hand if blood sugar is 55-70 mg/dL, then raisins, medjool dates, bananas, grapes, applesauce, pineapple.
All of these foods as listed above are fresh and also dried fruits which have larger amounts of naturally occurring sugars. There is also some quantity of fibre present in these but the amount is minimum. This food will raise blood sugar quickly and commendably.
If blood sugar is less than 55 mg/dL, then 100% grape juice, honey or maple syrup would serve the purpose.
How To Avoid Hypoglycemia?
Here are some tips that we can provide you the following tips to avoid hypoglycemia:
- Eat Regular Meals: Eating three main meals a day and snack at regular intervals helps to keep your blood sugar level steady and prevents hypoglycemia.
- Avoid Skipping Meals: Skipping meals can cause blood sugar level to drop, leading to hypoglycemia.
- Control Carbohydrates Intake: Consuming large amounts of carbohydrates in one meal can cause your blood sugar level to spike and then drop, leading to hypoglycemia.
- Eat Foods Rich in Fiber: Foods rich in fiber, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated is important for regulating blood sugar levels and avoiding hypoglycemia.
- Check Your Blood Sugar Level Regularly: Regular monitoring of your blood sugar level helps you to understand when your levels are low and take appropriate action.
- Avoid High-Sugar Foods: Foods high in sugar such as candy, soda, and desserts can cause blood sugar levels to spike and then drop, leading to hypoglycemia.
- Exercise Regularly: Regular exercise helps regulate blood sugar levels, but be careful not to exercise too close to mealtime, as this can cause hypoglycemia.
- Monitor Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can cause blood sugar levels to drop, leading to hypoglycemia, so it’s important to monitor alcohol consumption.
- Medications: If you are taking insulin or other medications that lower blood sugar levels, be sure to take them as directed and monitor your blood sugar level regularly.
Things To Do During Hypoglycemia
- Eat or drink something high in sugar or carbohydrates such as fruit juice, candy, or a sports drink.
- Consume a snack that contains a combination of protein and carbohydrates such as crackers and peanut butter.
- Check your blood sugar levels using a glucose meter to see if the snack has had an effect.
- Drink water to hydrate your body and prevent dehydration which can make hypoglycemia symptoms worse.
- Take a rest and relax to allow your body to recover from the episode.
- If you are unable to treat the hypoglycemia on your own, seek medical assistance.
- Keep a hypoglycemia emergency kit with you at all times, including a snack, glucose gel, and a source of glucose such as candy or fruit juice.
- If you have frequent episodes of hypoglycemia, talk to your doctor about adjusting your treatment plan, such as adjusting insulin doses or changing your diet.
- Be aware of the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and know how to quickly treat them.
- Educate family, friends, and coworkers about hypoglycemia and what they can do to help you if you experience an episode.
Prevention of Hypoglycemia
The best way to prevent hypoglycemia is to maintain a balanced diet and avoid skipping meals. People with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels regularly and adjust their medication as needed. Additionally, it is important to carry fast-acting carbohydrates with you at all times in case of an emergency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hypoglycemia is a condition that can be serious and even life-threatening if not treated promptly. If you experience any symptoms of low blood sugar, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. By maintaining a balanced diet, monitoring your blood sugar levels, and seeking prompt medical attention, you can help prevent and manage hypoglycemia.
