Surprising Signs of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) You Shouldn't Ignore Hypoglycemia, commonly known as low blood sugar, is a condition where the leve...

Surprising Signs of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) You Shouldn't Ignore

Hypoglycemia, commonly known as low blood sugar, is a condition where the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood drops below the normal range. While it's commonly associated with people who have diabetes, it can also occur in individuals without diabetes. Recognizing the signs of hypoglycemia is crucial for prompt treatment and preventing serious complications. In this article, we'll explore some surprising and lesser-known signs of low blood sugar that you shouldn't ignore.

Understanding Hypoglycemia

Before diving into the surprising signs, let's briefly understand why hypoglycemia happens. In people with diabetes, it often occurs due to:

• Excessive insulin: Taking too much insulin can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar.
• Skipped meals: Not eating enough carbohydrates can lead to low blood sugar levels.
• Strenuous exercise: Physical activity consumes glucose, and if you're not prepared, it can lower your blood sugar too much.
• Certain medications: Some oral diabetes medications can also trigger hypoglycemia.

However, hypoglycemia can also affect those without diabetes. This is called non-diabetic hypoglycemia and may result from:

• Reactive Hypoglycemia: This occurs within a few hours after eating, usually after a high-carbohydrate meal.
• Fasting Hypoglycemia: This occurs after a period of not eating.
• Certain medical conditions: Liver or kidney problems, tumors, or hormonal deficiencies can contribute.

Common Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

Before discussing the surprising symptoms, let's quickly review the typical warning signs:

• Shakiness
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Hunger
• Irritability or anxiety
• Confusion
• Rapid heartbeat
• Blurred vision

However, sometimes hypoglycemia presents in less obvious ways. Here are some surprising signs to be aware of:

Surprising and Subtle Signs of Hypoglycemia

1. Night Sweats: Experiencing unexplained night sweats can be a sign of low blood sugar. When your blood sugar drops overnight, your body releases hormones to try to correct it, leading to sweating, even if the room is cool.
2. Headaches Upon Waking: Frequent morning headaches, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, can indicate that your blood sugar dropped during the night.
3. Mood Changes: Seemingly random mood swings, like sudden sadness or unexplained anger, can be due to fluctuating blood sugar levels. Your brain relies on a steady supply of glucose, and disruptions can affect your emotional state.
4. Numbness or Tingling: Though often associated with nerve damage from chronic diabetes (neuropathy), temporary numbness or tingling in the extremities can also be a sign of low blood sugar, particularly in the early stages.
5. Trouble Concentrating: A dip in blood sugar can significantly impair cognitive function. Difficulty focusing, remembering things, or making decisions can be attributed to hypoglycemia. This effect occurs because your brain uses a lot of glucose to function optimally.
6. Clumsiness or Coordination Issues: If you suddenly become more clumsy than usual or experience difficulty with coordination, low blood sugar could be the culprit. This is because glucose is essential for nerve and muscle function.
7. Seizures (in severe cases): While rare, very severe and prolonged hypoglycemia can lead to seizures. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

Diagnosing Hypoglycemia

If you experience these symptoms, it's essential to confirm whether they're actually caused by low blood sugar. Your doctor might suggest:

• Blood Sugar Monitoring: Using a glucose meter to check your blood sugar levels when you experience symptoms.
• Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): A device that continuously tracks your blood sugar levels over several days.
• Fasting Blood Sugar Test: Measures your blood sugar after a period of fasting (typically overnight).
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures your blood sugar at intervals after drinking a sugary liquid.

Treatment for Hypoglycemia

Related reading: Normal Blood Sugar Levels After Eating What Your Postprandial Glucose Should Be

The goal of treating hypoglycemia is to rapidly raise your blood sugar level back to normal. Here's a typical approach:

• The 15-15 Rule: If you suspect hypoglycemia, check your blood sugar. If it's below 70 mg/dL, eat 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates (such as glucose tablets, juice, or regular soda). Wait 15 minutes and recheck your blood sugar. Repeat as needed until your blood sugar is above 70 mg/dL.
• Follow with a Complex Carbohydrate and Protein: Once your blood sugar is stable, consume a snack that contains both complex carbohydrates and protein, like a piece of whole-wheat bread with peanut butter, to prevent another drop.
• Glucagon: For severe hypoglycemia where a person is unable to eat or drink, glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar) can be administered via injection or nasal spray.

Preventing Hypoglycemia

Prevention is key to avoiding future episodes of low blood sugar. Here are some strategies:

• Regular Meals: Avoid skipping meals, and eat consistently throughout the day.
• Balanced Diet: Include a mix of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats in your diet.
• Medication Management: Work with your doctor to adjust your diabetes medications as needed.
• Exercise Awareness: If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar before, during, and after exercise. Adjust your insulin dose or eat a snack as needed.
• Education: Educate yourself, your family, and friends about the signs and treatment of hypoglycemia.

When to See a Doctor

If you frequently experience symptoms of low blood sugar, whether or not you have diabetes, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. They can help determine the underlying cause and develop a personalized management plan. Specifically, consult your doctor if:

• You experience frequent episodes of hypoglycemia.
• You have difficulty managing your blood sugar.
• You have symptoms of hypoglycemia even when your blood sugar appears to be normal.
• You experience seizures or loss of consciousness due to hypoglycemia.

The Importance of Monitoring and Awareness

Ultimately, staying vigilant and paying attention to your body's signals is critical for preventing serious health issues related to hypoglycemia. If you notice any of the surprising or common symptoms, especially if they occur frequently, get your blood sugar checked promptly. It can prevent serious complications and drastically improve your well-being.

Related reading: Prediabetes Diet 10 Foods To Eat To Help Manage Your Blood Glucose

Related reading: Blood Sugar Diagnosis Levels The Official Ranges For Prediabetes And Diabetes