Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): Causes, Symptoms, and What to Do Fast Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is a condition that occurs when the level of g...

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): Causes, Symptoms, and What to Do Fast

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is a condition that occurs when the level of glucose in your blood drops too low. Glucose is your body's main energy source, so having enough of it is vital for proper functioning. While most often associated with diabetes and its treatment, hypoglycemia can also occur in people without diabetes. Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing how to quickly address it are crucial for anyone who is at risk or knows someone who might be.

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What is Hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia refers to a blood glucose level that is lower than normal. Generally, this means a level below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), though this can vary from person to person. This low level of glucose deprives your brain and other organs of the energy they need to function properly, leading to a range of symptoms.

Causes of Hypoglycemia

Understanding the causes of low blood sugar is the first step in preventing it. Causes vary based on whether someone has diabetes or not.

Related reading: What Do Your Blood Sugar Numbers Really Mean A Complete Guide

In People with Diabetes:

• Insulin Overdose: Taking too much insulin is the most common cause of hypoglycemia in individuals with diabetes. Insulin helps glucose enter cells, and too much of it can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar.
• Skipping Meals or Eating Too Little: If you take diabetes medication and then skip a meal or eat fewer carbohydrates than usual, your blood sugar can drop.
• Increased Physical Activity: Exercise uses glucose. Without adjusting medication or food intake, increased physical activity can cause hypoglycemia.
• Certain Medications: Besides insulin, some other diabetes medications, especially sulfonylureas, can also cause low blood sugar.
• Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can interfere with the liver's ability to release glucose, leading to hypoglycemia, especially when consumed without food.

In People Without Diabetes:

• Reactive Hypoglycemia: This occurs within a few hours after eating a meal. It's thought to be due to the body releasing too much insulin in response to carbohydrates, leading to a subsequent blood sugar crash.
• Fasting Hypoglycemia: This can be caused by various underlying medical conditions:
  • Tumors: Some tumors can produce insulin-like substances, causing blood sugar to drop.
  • Liver Disease: The liver plays a critical role in glucose storage and release. Liver disease can impair this function.
  • Kidney Disease: Impaired kidney function can affect medication clearance and glucose metabolism.
  • Hormone Deficiencies: Deficiencies in hormones like cortisol or growth hormone can also lead to hypoglycemia.
  • Severe Infections: Infections can sometimes disrupt glucose metabolism.
• Medications: Although rare, certain medications not related to diabetes can sometimes cause low blood sugar.
• Post-Bariatric Surgery: People who have undergone gastric bypass or other weight-loss surgeries can experience hypoglycemia due to changes in how their bodies process food.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

Symptoms of hypoglycemia can range from mild to severe and can vary from person to person. It's essential to recognize these signs early to take prompt action.

Mild to Moderate Symptoms:

• Shakiness or Trembling: This is one of the most common early warning signs.
• Sweating: Especially cold, clammy sweats.
• Rapid Heartbeat: A feeling like your heart is racing or pounding.
• Anxiety or Nervousness: Feelings of unease or apprehension.
• Irritability or Confusion: Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly.
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness: A sensation of being unsteady or faint.
• Hunger: An intense craving for food, often sugary.
• Blurred Vision: Temporary changes in vision.
• Headache: A persistent or throbbing headache.
• Weakness or Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or lacking energy.

Severe Symptoms (Require Immediate Medical Attention):

• Loss of Coordination: Difficulty walking or moving normally.
• Seizures: Uncontrolled muscle spasms or convulsions.
• Confusion or Disorientation: Severe difficulty understanding or responding to surroundings.
• Loss of Consciousness: Passing out or being unresponsive.

What to Do Fast When Hypoglycemia Strikes

The treatment for hypoglycemia depends on its severity. The goal is to quickly raise blood sugar levels back to a safe range.

For Mild to Moderate Hypoglycemia:

• Follow the 15-15 Rule:
  • Consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates. Examples include:
    • 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of fruit juice (not sugar-free)
    • 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of regular soda (not diet)
    • 1 tablespoon of honey or sugar
    • Glucose tablets or gel (follow package instructions)
  • Wait 15 minutes.
  • Check your blood sugar. If it's still below 70 mg/dL, repeat the process.
• Once Blood Sugar Rises: Once your blood sugar is above 70 mg/dL, eat a snack containing both carbohydrates and protein, such as crackers with peanut butter or cheese, to help stabilize your blood sugar and prevent another drop.

For Severe Hypoglycemia (Unconsciousness or Seizures):

• Administer Glucagon: If you have a glucagon kit, inject it according to the instructions. Glucagon is a hormone that stimulates the release of glucose from the liver. Family members or close friends of individuals with diabetes should be trained on how to administer glucagon.
• Call for Emergency Medical Help: Immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Do not attempt to give an unconscious person food or drink, as they could choke.

Preventing Hypoglycemia

Prevention is the best approach to managing hypoglycemia. Here are some tips for those at risk:

For People with Diabetes:

• Regular Monitoring: Check your blood sugar levels regularly, especially before meals, after exercise, and before bed.
• Medication Management: Work closely with your healthcare provider to adjust your medication dosage as needed, especially if you change your diet or exercise routine.
• Meal Planning: Eat regular meals and snacks, and avoid skipping meals. Pay attention to carbohydrate intake.
• Exercise Precautions: Monitor your blood sugar before, during, and after exercise. Have a carbohydrate-rich snack available to treat hypoglycemia if needed.
• Alcohol Awareness: If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation and always with food.
• Carry Identification: Wear a medical ID bracelet or carry a card that identifies you as having diabetes and lists your medications.

For People Without Diabetes:

• Eat Balanced Meals: Avoid skipping meals and focus on eating balanced meals with adequate protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
• Identify Triggers: If you suspect reactive hypoglycemia, keep a food diary to identify foods that trigger your symptoms.
• Consult a Healthcare Provider: If you experience frequent or unexplained hypoglycemia, consult a doctor to rule out underlying medical conditions.

Diagnosing Hypoglycemia

Diagnosing hypoglycemia often involves a combination of symptom evaluation, blood sugar testing, and, in some cases, further medical investigations.

Blood Sugar Testing:

• Fasting Blood Sugar Test: Measures blood sugar levels after an overnight fast.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Involves drinking a sugary solution and then measuring blood sugar levels at regular intervals over several hours. This test is often used to diagnose reactive hypoglycemia.
• Mixed Meal Tolerance Test: Similar to an OGTT, but uses a standard meal instead of a sugary solution.

Further Investigation:

If hypoglycemia is suspected but blood sugar tests are normal, your doctor may order additional tests to investigate potential underlying causes, such as hormone deficiencies, liver or kidney disease, or tumors.

The Importance of Awareness

Related reading: The Top 5 Best Books About Managing Blood Sugar

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment of hypoglycemia is crucial, particularly for individuals with diabetes and their families. By recognizing the early warning signs and taking prompt action, you can effectively manage low blood sugar and prevent potentially severe complications. If you suspect you are experiencing hypoglycemia, consult with your healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized management plan.

Here’s an HTML table summarizing quick treatment options for different severities of hypoglycemia: