It’s no secret that hyperglycemia or high blood sugar poses some dangers, and that’s why a lot of people make sure that their blood sugar levels stay within the normal range. But are you aware that having low levels of sugar in the blood is just as dangerous as hyperglycemia? It’s called hypoglycemia, and this article will talk about it.
Continue reading if you like to know some of the most important matters about hypoglycemia, such as its causes, symptoms and treatment. Don’t forget to share this article on your social media sites to have everyone you care about introduced to hypoglycemia as well.
Sometimes referred to as low blood sugar, hypoglycemia is defined as having a blood sugar level of 70 mg/dL (equivalent to 39 mmol/L) or less. However, that number may vary from one person to the other, and that’s why you should consult your doctor to know which blood sugar level is considered too low for you.
Most people associate hypoglycemia with individuals who are suffering from diabetes. While it is true that diabetics are prone to having low blood sugar, everybody else may also experience it from time to time. So in other words, just because you do not have diabetes doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t experience hypoglycemia.
Causes
There are many different probable causes of hypoglycemia. However, it’s for certain that each one of them has something to do with the fact that the levels of sugar in the blood have dropped to below 70 mg/dL. But just like what’s mentioned earlier, that number can vary. A number that’s too low for someone may still be normal for another.
In people who are diagnosed with diabetes, one of the most common causes for hypoglycemia is the intake of drugs that help in lowering the levels of sugar in the blood. Some of them include insulin, sulfonylureas and meglitinides. However, it’s important to note that not all drugs for diabetes can cause hypoglycemia.
Those who are dieting may also experience low blood sugar, especially if they do not eat enough foods with carbs or they skip meals. If you love drinking alcohol without consuming any food, then it’s not unlikely for you to experience hypoglycemia because alcohol can make it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar levels.
You may also experience hypoglycemia if you engage in increased physical activities or intense exercises without properly supplying your body with carbohydrates. The same is true if you are suffering from an infection or an illness since your body uses up a lot of calories as it tries to fight off the problem.
Symptoms
There are many different symptoms of hypoglycemia, and the ones experienced by one person may vary greatly from the ones encountered by another. However, there is one thing that’s for sure, and that’s the various symptoms of low blood sugar can strike so suddenly, oftentimes catching anyone who is prone to it off guard.
It’s not unlikely for you to feel lightheaded, disoriented, hungry and headachy. You may also experience excessive sweating and you may have tremors, too. Some people report that they feel nervous, while others say that they feel kind of irritable. The various symptoms may also vary in intensity.
Hypoglycemia may also strike while you are sleeping. When it happens, you may wake up with your pajamas and bed linens soaking in your own sweat. Some people who experience low blood sugar at night have nightmares. It’s very much possible for you to wake up the following day feeling confused, irritable or tired.
Treatment
Dealing with low blood sugar can vary, depending on what’s causing it. Earlier, it was mentioned that diabetics are prone to hypoglycemia because of the intake of certain drugs that are meant for lowering the levels of sugar in the blood. Telling their doctors about the side effects of their medications is a good idea.
Making sure that you consume enough carbohydrates is also a solution. See to it that you don’t skip meals. If you are feeling hungry, eat something. Refrain from engaging in intense physical activities or exercises without replenishing your energy stores. Having fruit juice, soda or candy is a quick way to relieve hypoglycemia.
