Post Time: 2025-07-18
When your blood sugar levels drop below a certain threshold, it can lead to a range of symptoms and complications. In this article, we'll explore what happens if you have low blood sugar levels.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, is often characterized by feelings of shakiness, dizziness, and sweating. Other common symptoms include blurred vision, confusion, and irritability (1). If left untreated, low blood sugar can cause seizures or even loss of consciousness in severe cases.
The Impact on the Body
When your body doesn't have enough glucose to fuel its cells, it starts breaking down stored glycogen for energy instead. However, this process has a limited capacity, and if not replenished soon enough, the brain and other vital organs begin to malfunction (2). This can lead to headaches, fatigue, and weakness.
Causes of Low Blood Sugar
Certain factors increase the risk of experiencing low blood sugar levels. For instance, skipping meals or not eating regularly is a common culprit. Additionally, taking diabetes medications without adjusting food intake can also contribute to this condition. Exercise-induced hypoglycemia occurs when physical activity increases insulin sensitivity while simultaneously lowering blood glucose (3).
Maintaining Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and treat low blood sugar levels. Eating a balanced diet that includes regular meals with complex carbohydrates is crucial for maintaining stable energy levels. Sticking to your medication regimen as prescribed by your healthcare provider also plays a significant role in regulating blood glucose.
Stabilizing Your Glucose Level through Diet
Foods high on the glycemic index, like white bread and sugary snacks, cause rapid spikes followed by crashing lows due to their immediate release of sugar into the bloodstream. Incorporating fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can slow down this process (4).
Why It's Essential to Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels
Self-monitoring blood glucose levels helps in identifying patterns that contribute to episodes of low blood sugar. This information enables you or your healthcare provider to adjust treatments plans accordingly.
Maintaining a stable blood sugar level is vital for overall well-being and daily functioning, particularly for individuals with diabetes managing the condition through diet control alone can help stabilize their body's demand on glucose from the bloodstream
What causes low blood sugar in people with diabetes? average daily blood sugar levels See the signs, symptoms, and the types of carbohydrates that can help treat it. Thank you for watching these #DiabetesAwarenessMonth videos, featuring Cigna Healthcare clinical pharmacists, Tracy and Alexis. For more 131 mg/dl blood sugar level information, visit 116 fasting blood sugar level