Glucose is our body’s main source of energy or fuel. For people who have diabetes, their pancreas doesn’t produce insulin regularly. That is why they need to regulate their glucose or blood sugar levels with external help. Low blood sugar is common for people who have diabetes.
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What is Hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia is when the glucose found in the blood is at a lower level than the standard range. It's also called low blood sugar or low blood glucose. Blood sugar levels below 70 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) are considered to be low.
Probable Causes
Hypoglycemia is caused by having too much insulin. It is a hormone in charge of helping blood sugar enter cells for energy consumption. For diabetic people, hypoglycemia can develop when:
- The timing of taking insulin is neglected
- Incorrect insulin dosage or usage
- Doing too much physical activity
- Drinking alcohol without proper food intake
- Unbalanced diet of carbs, protein, and fats
The condition is often linked to diabetes. You can test for diabetes by taking a blood glucose test. But having a non-diabetic case is also possible.
Other drugs and various rare conditions may also result in patients having low blood sugar. It's important to check your blood glucose levels regularly to avoid hypoglycemia.
Symptoms of low blood glucose levels
Hypoglycemia symptoms occur depending on the individual. Some may experience only a few symptoms while others may experience more. Blood glucose level drops regularly. That's why it's essential to check your blood sugar and maintain a healthy level.
Look out for these symptoms when you are at risk of the condition. That way, you can correct your blood sugar levels promptly.
Symptoms of low blood sugar include but are not limited to:
- Shakiness
- Sweating
- Headaches or dizziness
- Fatigue
- Hunger
- Nausea
- Pale skin
- Faster heart rate
Do you have zero symptoms but have low blood sugar levels? That might be hypoglycemia unawareness. It is harder to treat it because it develops when a person:
- Often has low blood sugar
- Takes certain medications, and
- Has had diabetes for a longer period (around 5 to 10 years)
Having hypoglycemia unawareness is more challenging. But you can cope with it by regularly checking your blood sugar levels.
Nocturnal hypoglycemia is also common. It occurs when a person had an active day or did strenuous physical activity before sleeping. It also occurs when they drank alcohol before going to sleep. Hypoglycemia symptoms include crying out loud, having nightmares, or sweating.
It’s important to take care of your body and watch out for these symptoms. When hypoglycemia gets worse, a person may experience blurry vision or slurred speech. In severe hypoglycemia, they may have a seizure and lose consciousness. Continuous glucose monitor can help prevent low blood glucose and maintain proper sugar levels.
Dealing with low blood glucose levels
Our blood sugar levels fluctuate at any given time of the day. But unmanaged glucose levels and too much insulin can have severe effects on our body functions. That's why hypoglycemia needs to be treated promptly.
Do you have symptoms of it or hypoglycemia unawareness? Check your blood sugar level. There are many ways you can correct your low blood glucose yourself.
The American Diabetes Association recommends the 15-15 rule for those with hypoglycemia. It involves eating or drinking 15 grams of carbs to raise blood sugar. Then, check your blood sugar after 15 minutes.
Repeat this process until your blood sugar is at least 70 mg/dL. If your symptoms worsen even after performing the 15-15 rule, call your healthcare provider or emergency services.
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For Best Results Get Identifying Hypoglycemia Workbook