Introduction:
Low blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia is a condition when your body doesn’t have enough sugar to generate energy. The sugar in our body breaks down into simpler components and provides us energy. For example, the food we eat has some amounts of sugar and through the process of respiration and digestion, it degrades from complex to simpler molecules. This is the process that occurs in a healthy individual.
What is Hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia is a condition when your blood glucose levels are lower than normal. Certain conditions can lead to low blood sugar levels such as diabetes treatment, diet, medications, or insulin imbalance.
It is important to understand that hypoglycemia is just a medical condition and not a disease.
How to spot low blood sugar levels?
A low blood sugar levels result in the following signs and symptoms:-
- Hunger
- Sweating
- Shakiness
- Pale skin
In severe hypoglycemia, the signs & symptoms may also include:-
- Irritated or abnormal behaviour
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
What causes low blood sugar levels?
Mostly, hypoglycemia results due to side effects of diabetic medicines. However, it may also happen because of a disturbed routine or poor eating habits.
- Blood sugar imbalance
- Diabetes
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Insulin overproduction
- Hormone deficiencies
How can low blood sugar be treated?
For non-diabetic people
People who observe signs of low blood sugar or hypoglycemia should consume 15-20 grams of carbohydrates such as:-
- A sugar candy
- A sugar lump
- A glass of juice
- Glucose drink
For diabetic people
A diabetic person can follow the 15:15 rule. In this method, the person needs to check their blood sugar levels. Then, consume 15g of carbohydrates and wait for 15 minutes and again check the sugar levels.
In severe conditions
If the hypoglycemia is severe, the person cannot handle it by himself and someone else needs to help them in taking glucagon through an injection. If the person faints due to low blood sugar levels, a glucagon injection may help them regain their consciousness within 5-15 minutes.
Diet
If someone has diabetes or hypoglycemia, they should plan a good diet with their doctor.
- Eating snacks or small meals.
- Consuming food enriched with protein, high- fibre and high fats.
- Avoid high sugary foods
Conclusion
Low blood sugar levels are a condition where the blood sugar falls below 70mg/dl. However, mild shifts in blood sugar levels are manageable and with a good and healthy lifestyle. In rare cases, one may need medical support to manage severe hypoglycemia.
External source: Read Article on insul.agvahealthcare.in about Hypoglycemia Low
Read all the Health News, and Get news straight to your email through our Newsletter.
