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Hypoglycemia: What You Need to Know About Low Blood Sugar
Have you ever felt uneasy or confused, anxious and irritable, your heart rate was up, or your hands were tingly?
If yes, you may have low blood sugar levels, which could result in hypoglycemia, a medical condition. To restore normal blood sugar levels, you must eat a sugar-rich diet. Remember, it can be fatal if left untreated.
What Exactly Is Hypoglycemia?
People with diabetes frequently experience hypoglycemia since it is a side effect of certain diabetic medications. The condition can, however, also affect those without diabetes, such as those with an overactive thyroid or an eating disorder. With people with diabetes, hypoglycemia can be a potentially fatal side effect of diabetes treatment, other medical issues such as an infection, or low-calorie intake.
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia
Generally, the most common signs of low blood sugar are:
- Fatigue
- Feeling Lightheaded or Dizzy
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Feeling of Shakiness
- Pale Skin
- Ravenous Hunger
- Rapid Heartbeat
- Numbness/Tingling of the face
Severe Symptoms Include
- Confusion
- Erratic Behavior
- Blurred Vision
- Seizures
- Loss of Consciousness
Causes of Hypoglycemia: With and Without Diabetes
As said above, hypoglycemia can be seen in both people with diabetes and non-diabetes. Hence, here are the causes of hypoglycemia with and without diabetes.
Hypoglycemia Without Diabetes
In this case, the following are the main reasons for hypoglycemia:
- Due to Medicines: It happens when you accidentally consume some medications. Some medications, such as malaria medication, can lead to hypoglycemia. Before using such medications, one should always consult with a doctor.
- Alcohol Consumption: On an empty stomach, consuming alcohol impacts the liver, and our blood glucose levels are then affected by it.
- Certain Illnesses: Blood glucose levels are affected by conditions including liver disease and renal diseases. As a result, such infections might cause hypoglycemia.
- Eating Disorder: Eating disorders are seen in those who consume fewer calories or have anorexia nervosa. As a result, hypoglycemia may affect some people.
- Insulinoma: It is a condition that occurs when a pancreatic tumor develops, raising the body's insulin levels. More insulin increases the rate of glucose absorption, decreasing blood sugar levels and resulting in hypoglycemia.
- Hormone Disorders: A reduction in glucose production results from problems with the pituitary and adrenal glands. Therefore, hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, results.
Hypoglycemia with Diabetes
- You will be prescribed various medications, including insulin, to treat the unusually high blood glucose level. Unfortunately, it may result in Hypoglycemia, which would cause dangerously low sugar levels.
- It may also happen if you do not eat appropriately after taking diabetic medication.
- In addition to using anti-diabetic medications, excessive activity can also cause hypoglycemia.
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Book an AppointmentHow to Prevent Hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can be prevented by following these steps:
- Eating regularly: Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day helps keep blood sugar levels stable.
- Planning meals: Including complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats in each meal can help prevent blood sugar spikes and dips.
- Monitoring blood sugar levels: Keeping track of blood sugar levels with a glucose meter can help identify patterns and potential hypoglycemia causes.
- Medication management: Taking insulin or other medications as prescribed and working with a doctor to adjust doses can help prevent hypoglycemic episodes.
- Avoiding alcohol: Alcohol can cause blood sugar to drop suddenly and dramatically, so it should be consumed in moderation or avoided altogether.
- Staying active: Exercise helps regulate blood sugar levels, so staying active throughout the day is important.
- Carrying snacks: Pack snacks that contain simple sugars, such as fruit or juice, to raise blood sugar levels quickly in case of an episode.
- Wearing a medical alert: A medical alert bracelet or pendant can be helpful in an emergency, especially if you are travelling or away from home.
Conclusion
It is important to note that hypoglycemia can be a serious condition, especially for people with diabetes. Regular monitoring of your blood sugar levels and working closely with your doctor can help prevent hypoglycemia and keep your glucose levels under control; hypoglycemia is a condition that should be taken seriously.
If you experience any symptoms of low blood sugar, it is important to raise your glucose levels and seek medical attention if necessary. Regular monitoring of your blood sugar levels and working closely with your doctor can help prevent hypoglycemia and keep your glucose levels under control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can arise from skipping meals, excessive insulin use, certain medications, alcohol consumption, or underlying health conditions such as diabetes.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia include sweating, shakiness, dizziness, hunger, confusion, and, in severe cases, loss of consciousness. It's crucial to raise blood sugar levels through treatment promptly.
Hypoglycemia is a condition characterized by low blood sugar levels, usually below 70 mg/dL. Symptoms range from mild discomfort to potentially severe health issues.
Causes of hypoglycemia include:
- Diabetes medications.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Overproduction of insulin.
- Hormonal deficiencies.
- Liver or kidney disorders.
- Certain tumors affect hormone regulation.
Prevent hypoglycemia by maintaining regular meal schedules, balancing carbohydrate intake with medications or insulin, monitoring blood sugar levels, and promptly treating symptoms with glucose or sugar sources.
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