Low Blood Sugar Information
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) occurs in people who don't have diabetes as well as those who do. Several years ago, many people claimed they suffered from hypoglycemia. As a result, doctors tried to ignore the disorder and dispel its existence. Recently, doctors realizing that although not everyone claiming to have hypoglycemia actually has it, there are many people who do have difficulty handling refined sugar, as they experience common symptoms to diabetics.
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Identification
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Also known as low glucose, hypoglycemia is when blood glucose falls below normal levels. Glucose, made mostly from carbohydrates, is the body's main source of energy, It's carried to each cell through the bloodstream. To function properly, the body needs just the right amount of glucose. When the blood glucose level is off and is either too high or too low, the body shows certain symptoms signaling a hypoglycemia attack.
Symptoms
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Pale and sweaty skin is a symptom of low blood sugar. That's because of the high levels of adrenaline that the body releases to raise blood sugar to prevent hypoglycemia. Anxiety, heart palpitations and shakiness are other symptoms. Headaches, blurry or double vision, fatigue and extreme hunger can occur because of a lack of glucose reaching the brain, the organ suffering the most from low blood sugar. Seizures, confusion and loss of consciousness can take place in the worst cases of inadequate glucose flowing to the brain.
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Types
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Hypoglycemia is either diabetic related or not connected to diabetes. For people who don't have diabetes, two types of hypoglycemia can occur with symptoms in both types similar to diabetes-related hypoglycemia. Reactive hypoglycemia or postprandial (after-dinner) hypoglycemia happens about two to four hours after eating a high carbohydrate meal. Fasting hypoglycemia (postabsorptive hypoglycemia) occurs on an empty stomach and can be caused by various reasons such as hormone shortages, liver disease, heredity, enzyme or insulin-producing tumors.
Treatment for Diabetics
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If possible, check your blood sugar level and eat or drink something to raise the level quickly. For example, carry hard candy (5 to 6 pieces) with you at all times, besides small fruit juices or glucose tablets. Check your blood sugar 15 to 20 minutes later and if it's still too low eat more hard candies until it's 70 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter). Then, when you get with your doctor, describe the episodes so he can decide what triggered the attacks and adjust your diabetes treatment plan.
Treatment for Non-diabetics
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If the patient does not have a history of diabetes, usually doctors try to determine the conditions for the attack, followed by taking blood samples and conducting a physical examination on the patient. Often it's due to poor nutrition or fasting. In fact, many people have low blood sugar unknowingly. However, if symptoms persist, people suffering from it should seek further medical attention to uncover the original causes of the illness.
Prevention/Solution
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Diabetics should regularly check their blood glucose levels, especially before driving a car. Eating frequent smaller meals and carrying emergency snacks is a good safeguard. People who don't have diabetes should eat well-balanced meals with enough protein, foods high in fiber, whole-grain foods, fruits and vegetables, avoiding high-sugar foods. Consistent exercise is also a good preventive action.
Misconceptions and Warnings
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Many people are hesitant to take insulin because they fear a hypoglycemia attack. However, they don't realize there are insulins that reduce the chances of hypoglycemia. The key to preventing an attack is learning how to administer insulin to avoid an event.
If diabetic, wear an ID bracelet and train family members and coworkers what to do in the event of an attack. An attack of low blood sugar usually happens suddenly. Most often it can be treated by eating or drinking something glucose rich. If not addressed, it can grow worse, causing confusion, clumsiness or fainting. In severe cases, hypoglycemia can result in seizures, coma or even death.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Anette Romanenko
