What Is Hypoglycemia?

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By Tuan Dinh
eHow Contributing Writer

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Hypoglycemia is a medical term referring to low levels of glucose in the blood. Hypoglycemia often occurs in diabetic patients who take medications to lower levels of blood glucose. Other causes of hypoglycemia include cancer and deficiencies in hormones and enzymes. In most cases, hypoglycemia occurs suddenly. It can be simply treated by raising blood glucose levels back to normal.

Identification

Several early symptoms of a hypoglycemic attack include excessive hunger, palpation, nausea, anxiety, nervousness, tremors and profuse sweating.
In later stages of hypoglycemia, patients may experience weakness, blurred vision, impaired judgment, trouble speaking, slurred speech, confusion and lethargy. In more severe cases, patients may become unconscious or go into a coma.

Effects

For normal people, hypoglycemia occurs when the blood sugar level goes below 60 mg/dl. Diabetic patients may experience hypoglycemia at higher blood glucose levels. If not treated timely and properly, hypoglycemia can cause seizures and irreversible brain damage. In some cases, prolonged hypoglycemia can lead to death.

Prevention/Solution

A simple test can tell whether a person develops hypoglycemia or not. Diabetic patients should monitor their blood glucose levels properly to avoid hypoglycemia.

Treatment of hypoglycemia is very simple. Eating 10 to 20 g of carbohydrates is sufficient to raise the blood glucose level to the normal level. Patients who are at high risk for hypoglycemia should carry glucose tablets, candy or any other source of carbohydrates.

It is important that patients with diabetes learn to recognize early symptoms to prevent severe hypoglycemia.

Expert Insight

Hypoglycemia is a common complication affecting roughly 35 percent of preterm and critically ill infants.

Warning

If you plan on driving, be sure you aren't experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can make one feel drunk, cause sudden blurred vision and affect judgment and driving ability.