When is Blood Sugar Low? The Causes and Symptoms That You Need to Know

A lot of people know that a high blood sugar level equals health problems, both among diabetics and non-diabetics. What many people fail to realize is that blood sugar low is just as problematic and at times, even more dangerous to a person's health especially if he or she is a diabetic. Having low blood sugar is a condition known as hypoglycemia and it usually happens when there isn't enough glucose or sugar in the body to use as energy or fuel.

Causes and Symptoms

12 OUNCES EQUALS

Hypoglycemia is usually more of a problem among people with diabetes. It is caused by different factors that include diet and the use of certain medications. In particular, a diet that is rich in simple sugars is one of the most common causes of hypoglycemia among people with diabetes. Certain oral medications are other known causes. These include meglitinides, sulfonylureas, orinase, diabinese, and even aspirin. Too much insulin per carbohydrate consumed can also cause the said condition.

Other causes of low blood sugar level are not eating enough, skipping or postponing a meal, drinking alcohol, and increasing physical activity without increasing food intake. In addition, there are some medical conditions known to make diabetics more susceptible to having their blood sugar low.

Identifying the symptoms of hypoglycemia is just as important as identifying its causes. In most cases, early diagnosis and intervention treatment of low blood sugar can save lives. The problem, however, with regards to identifying the symptoms of hypoglycemia is that different persons manifest different symptoms. As such, a diabetic must learn to recognize his or her own symptoms.

In general, the early symptoms of blood sugar low include confusion, hunger, dizziness, headaches, sweating, trembling, irritability, weakness, anxiety, racing pulse, pounding heart, shakiness, and blurry vision. The condition must be treated immediately upon appearance of these symptoms or it would lead to more severe symptoms such as poor concentration, poor coordination, numbness in the mouth and tongue, passing out, intense irritability, constant nightmares, and even comatose.

Treatment for low blood sugar

If you experience any of the symptoms outlined above and you have diabetes, it is best to check your blood glucose level just to be sure. Depending on the results of your tests, there are different ways you can handle it. If you took the test after your meal and your blood sugar is lower than normal, you might to rethink your diet. The best way to treat reactive hypoglycemia, as this kind of low blood sugar is know, is to avoid simple sugars and eating small, frequent meals rather than a few large ones.

On the other hand, if you check your sugar after a few hours of fasting, you need to increase your intake of protein or carbohydrates before bedtime. Low sugar after a period of fasting is known simply as fasting hypoglycemia.

Now, if dietary changes don't normalize your blood sugar level, you might want to visit and consult your doctor. He or she would be able to tell you if it is your medication that's causing your sugar to be low. Your doctor can advise you on how you can adjust your medication or insulin intake to increase your sugar level to a normal, healthy level.

In any case, there are several techniques that you can follow to instantly raise your sugar level. They include eating at least five pieces of hard candy, drinking four ounces of fruit juice or up to six ounces of regular soda, eating one tablespoon of sugar or jelly, and taking three non-prescription glucose tablets. These techniques can provide you with instant and temporary relief from a hypoglycemia so you can see your doctor for confirmation of your condition.

When is Blood Sugar Low? The Causes and Symptoms That You Need to Know

12 OUNCES EQUALS