Low Blood Sugar

Hypoglycemia, commonly known as low blood glucose (sugar), occurs when blood sugar levels drop below the normal range. This condition is particularly significant for individuals with diabetes but can affect anyone. Proper management is crucial to avoid serious health complications.

Let’s dive into this topic casually and comfortably and explore symptoms, causes, health risks, and effective strategies to manage hypoglycemia. I wrote an article last week on hyperglycemia. Please read it to better understand hypoglycemia. 

What is Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia happens when blood sugar levels go below 70 mg/dL, (milligrams (mg) per deciliter (dL). Normal blood sugar is 70-99 mg/dL when fasting.  It’s important to realize that hypoglycemia is common among diabetics, especially those who take insulin or other medications that increase insulin levels in their body. Type 1 diabetics can frequently experience low blood sugar. 

What Causes of Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia can come from several factors. If you are a diabetic, chances are you have experienced low blood sugar. When you read the symptoms, you will say yes, I have experienced this and that. For individuals with diabetes, it often results from an imbalance between medication, food intake, and physical activity. 

Common causes include:

• Excessive Insulin or Diabetes Medication: Taking too much insulin or other diabetes medications can lower blood glucose levels too much.  When I was first diagnosed with diabetes, I was overmedicated. My blood sugar would drop frequently. My main symptoms would be shakiness and increased heart rate. I drank orange juice or apple juice and my blood sugar quickly returned to normal. 
• Skipping Meals or Eating Less: Not consuming enough carbohydrates, skipping meals, or eating at irregular intervals can cause blood glucose levels to drop.
• Increased Physical Activity: Engaging in physical activity without adjusting food intake or medication. The intensity, duration, and timing of exercise can all affect your blood sugar level.
• Alcohol Consumption: Your liver releases glucose into your bloodstream as needed to help keep your blood sugar at normal levels. When you drink alcohol, your liver needs to break down the alcohol. While your liver is processing alcohol, it stops releasing glucose. As a result, your blood sugar level can drop quickly, putting you at risk for low blood sugar. Don’t drink alcohol on an empty stomach. 
• Certain Medications: Some non-diabetes medications can also cause low blood sugar. Check your labels.
• Illness: Certain illnesses and infections can impact blood sugar levels and medication effectiveness.

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

Learning to recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia is essential for timely intervention. 

Early symptoms include:

— Shakiness: Trembling or feeling jittery is one of the first signs of low blood sugar.

— Sweating: Excessive perspiration, and cold sweats, especially when not related to physical activity.

— Hunger: Sudden and intense hunger pangs.

— Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Feeling faint or unsteady.

— Irritability: Unexplained irritability or mood changes.

— Rapid Heartbeat: A noticeable increase in heart rate.

— Fatigue: Unexpected tiredness or weakness can also be a symptom.

— Headaches: A sudden headache can result from low blood sugar.

— Nausea

— Sleepiness

— Nightmares or crying out during sleep.

— Tingling or numbness in the lips, tongue, or cheeks.

Here are serious symptoms to look out for

— Confusion: Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly is a more severe symptom.

— Blurred Vision: Vision changes, like blurriness, can be a more serious sign.

— Loss of Coordination: In severe cases, hypoglycemia can lead to loss of coordination and balance.

— Seizures: Involuntary convulsions due to extremely low blood sugar levels.

— Loss of Consciousness: Slipping into a coma.

— Death: If not treated promptly and effectively, severe hypoglycemia can be fatal.

Health Complications of Hypoglycemia

Repeated episodes of hypoglycemia can have long-term health implications. These include:

— Cognitive Impairment: Chronic low blood sugar can affect brain function, leading to memory problems and difficulties in concentration.

— Cardiovascular Issues: Hypoglycemia can increase the risk of heart arrhythmias and other cardiovascular issues.

— Increased Risk of Accidents: Symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness can lead to falls and accidents, especially for the elderly.

Techniques to Manage Hypoglycemia

Managing hypoglycemia involves both immediate treatment of low blood sugar episodes and long-term strategies to prevent recurrence.

Immediate Treatment

When experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia, quick action is crucial:

— Check Blood Sugar: As soon as you notice symptoms, check your blood sugar level to confirm hypoglycemia.

— Consume Fast-Acting Carbohydrates: Eat or drink something containing 15–20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets, fruit juice, regular soda, or candy, yes candy. It is good to have glucose tablets handy at all times. 

— Recheck Blood Sugar: After 15 minutes, recheck blood glucose levels. If still low, consume more fast-acting carbohydrates and recheck after another 15 minutes.

— Follow-Up with a Snack: Once blood sugar levels return to normal, eat a snack or meal containing complex carbohydrates and protein such as a piece of fruit with peanut butter or cheese and crackers to stabilize levels.

Long-Term Management

Long-term strategies focus on preventing hypoglycemia through careful planning and monitoring:

— Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: Keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels by checking them regularly, especially if you experience frequent episodes of hypoglycemia. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can provide real-time data and alerts easily.

— Adjust Medication: Work with your healthcare provider to adjust insulin or diabetes medication dosages, especially if there are changes in diet or activity levels.

— Balanced Diet: Make sure regular meals and snacks include complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

— Exercise Planning: Plan physical activities and adjust food intake or medication accordingly. Carry fast-acting carbohydrates during exercise to treat potential lows.

— Limit Alcohol: If consuming alcohol, do so with food and monitor blood sugar levels closely.

— Education and Awareness: Educate yourself and those around you about the signs and treatment of hypoglycemia. Wearing a medical diabetic ID bracelet can also be helpful in emergencies.

— Don’t hesitate to call 911. If glucose tablets or other fast-acting carbohydrates are not available, call 911 immediately.

— Regular medical check-ups: Visit your health care team often to circumvent problems.

Conclusion:

Hypoglycemia can be a frightening and dangerous experience, but with the right knowledge and strategies, it can be managed effectively. By recognizing the symptoms, understanding the causes, and implementing both immediate and long-term management techniques, you can maintain better control of your blood sugar levels and enjoy a healthier, more stable life.

I say managing diabetes is a journey, and you’re not alone. With the support of healthcare professionals, loved ones, friends, and your determination, you can navigate the challenges of hypoglycemia with confidence and ease. Stay informed, stay prepared, and take control of your health

Thank you.