Prediabetes - Your Questions Answered In 10 Minutes [229bfb]

The Hidden Dangers of Dangerously Low Blood Sugar Levels: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions

Blood sugar levels are a crucial aspect of our overall health. When they drop too low, it can be detrimental to our well-being, even life-threatening in extreme cases. But what exactly happens when blood sugar levels plummet? What causes them to dip so low? And most importantly, how can we prevent or reverse this condition?

Understanding the Consequences of Dangerously Low Blood Sugar

Dangerously low blood sugar occurs when glucose levels drop below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). At this point, our bodies cannot function properly. The brain is severely affected as it uses most of its energy from glucose. If left untreated, dangerously low blood sugar can lead to seizures, coma, or even death. When we consider the severity of these consequences, it's no wonder maintaining healthy blood sugar levels has become a top priority.

The Role of Diet and Exercise in Regulating Blood Sugar

Foods that cause an insulin surge are typically those high on the glycemic index (GI), such as white rice, bread, pasta, and sugary foods. can pain affect blood sugar Consuming these foods regularly can lead to frequent spikes in blood sugar levels. On the other hand, whole grains like brown rice and quinoa release glucose gradually into our bloodstream, minimizing sudden insulin surges.

Regular physical activity also plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar levels. Exercise improves your body's sensitivity to insulin by utilizing its stored form (glucose) as energy during exercise rather than relying on newly absorbed glucose from food intake after meals. Even small increments of moderate-intensity activities such as brisk walking for just 10-15 minutes per day can be beneficial.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

It is crucial to monitor your blood sugar levels, especially if you have a history or are at risk of developing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or certain infections. Regular monitoring enables early intervention should any complications arise from abnormally high or low readings.

However, before we dive into the intricacies of managing dangerously low blood sugar levels and how to prevent them in the first place - let's take a closer look at what exactly is meant by "dangerously" low.

The Normal Blood Sugar Range: Understanding Thresholds

For an adult without diabetes, fasting glucose should be between 72 mg/dL and 100 mg/dL. If this threshold dips below 54-55mg/dl for two hours postprandially (after eating) when the body's insulin stores are replenished from stop blood sugar spikes a meal taken within about one to four weeks earlier before breakfast time but rises no more than three times daily without symptoms other than nausea avocado raise blood sugar - then it indicates hypoglycemia ("dangerously" low blood sugar).

Leah Groppo, Registered Dietitian, discusses prediabetes, insulin resistance, and actionable steps you can take to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. Leah shares recommendations for activity, how different foods impact blood glucose response, and how to make a SMART goal that is realistic and feasible for you. Leah Groppo, MS, RD, BC-ADM, CDCES is a Registered Dietitian, Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management, and a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist at Stanford Health Care. Register for the Diabetes Wellness Group Monthly Webinar from the Stanford Medicine Diabetes Care Program. Webinars are free and open to adults with diabetes and their families: Want to know more? Ask Us. Stanford Health Care's medical librarians are here to help you find reliable information to answer your health-related questions. We use a variety of the most current, scientifically-based resources to answer your specific questions and will send you a research packet tailored to you. This is a free service open to everyone. Take 5 minutes for yourself. Check out Stanford Health Library's free mindfulness and meditation resources including guided meditations to help ease pain, aid in healthful sleep, promote successful surgery, and more: