Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): What You Must Know and What to Do

Hypoglycemia, commonly known as low blood sugar, occurs when the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood drops too low. This condition can be alarming, but understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment can help you manage it effectively. Whether you're someone with diabetes or simply interested in your health, this comprehensive guide will provide essential insights into hypoglycemia.

Why is Understanding Hypoglycemia Crucial?

The primary fuel source for your body is glucose. This sugar, derived from the food you eat, is circulated throughout your body by the blood. It provides vital energy for cells to perform their necessary functions. If your blood sugar dips too low, your brain and can the covid vaccine raise your blood sugar level other organs may not get sufficient fuel. It can lead to a range of symptoms, some of which may be dangerous if left unaddressed. This is particularly important for people with diabetes who are blood sugar 398 what time is best to check blood sugar taking insulin or certain oral medications, but it can affect those without diabetes too.

Key Points About Hypoglycemia:

• Definition: Hypoglycemia refers to a blood sugar level that is below 70 mg/dL.
• Causes: Can range from medication imbalances in diabetes to other factors like skipping meals, intense exercise, or medical conditions.
• Symptoms: May include shakiness, dizziness, sweating, hunger, and in severe cases, confusion and loss of consciousness.
• Treatment: Usually involves consuming quickly absorbed carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets or juice, and may necessitate further care if severe.

---

Recognizing the Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

It's important to identify the signs of low blood sugar as soon as possible to take immediate action. Hypoglycemia symptoms can vary in severity, with early signs often subtle, and late ones escalating quickly if not treated. Recognizing them promptly can prevent the condition from progressing to more dangerous levels.

Here's a breakdown of typical symptoms categorized by their severity:

Early Symptoms of Hypoglycemia:

• Shakiness and Trembling: A common first sign, caused by adrenaline release.
• Sweating: You may start sweating even if you are not overheated or exercising.
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness: You might feel faint or unstable.
• Hunger: Despite having eaten recently, you may experience a strong craving for food.
• Anxiety or Nervousness: A sense of uneasiness or jitters.
• Rapid Heartbeat: Your heart may race or feel irregular.
• Tingling or Numbness: Often felt in the lips or fingers.
• Pale Skin: Due to reduced blood flow.
• Headache: Sometimes described as a dull throb.

Late and Severe Symptoms of Hypoglycemia (Requires Immediate Medical Attention):

• Confusion: You may have trouble thinking clearly or making decisions.
• Slurred Speech: Difficulty in speaking or understanding spoken words.
• Blurred Vision: Your eyesight might get blurry or distorted.
• Weakness and Fatigue: Significant loss of strength and energy.
• Seizures: Involuntary muscle contractions or convulsions.
• Loss of Consciousness: Fainting or becoming unresponsive, a severe life-threatening emergency.

Important Considerations:

• Not everyone will experience all symptoms. You may experience some or many of the above signs depending on your health, lifestyle and severity of blood sugar dip.
• Symptoms can appear suddenly and unexpectedly.
• Frequent or severe episodes of hypoglycemia require a consultation with a healthcare provider.
• If you have diabetes or a history of hypoglycemia, you should regularly check your blood sugar.

Symptom Category	Symptoms
Early	Shakiness, sweating, dizziness, hunger, anxiety, rapid heartbeat
Late/Severe	Confusion, slurred speech, blurred vision, weakness, seizures, loss of consciousness

---

Causes of Hypoglycemia: Understanding the Triggers

Low blood sugar can occur due to several reasons, which makes identifying the cause is essential for both immediate treatment and long-term management. Understanding what is behind an episode of hypoglycemia is critical for prevention.

Here's a detailed explanation of common factors contributing to hypoglycemia:

1. Diabetes-Related Causes

The most frequent instances of hypoglycemia arise in people with diabetes, especially those who manage their condition with medications that enhance insulin secretion or require insulin therapy.

• Insulin Overdose: Taking too much insulin, either intentionally or unintentionally, can lower blood sugar levels drastically.
• Timing of Insulin Dose: Incorrect timing of insulin injections relative to meal intake can lead to hypoglycemia if insulin's peak action coincides with periods of low glucose from undigested food.
• Medication Interactions: Some oral diabetes medications like sulfonylureas can also cause blood sugar to drop if the dosage is too high or not appropriately balanced with food intake and activity.

2. Dietary Factors

• Skipping Meals: Not eating regularly or missing meals, particularly in those on medications that reduce blood sugar, can lead to a significant drop in glucose levels.
• Insufficient Carbohydrate Intake: The body requires carbohydrates to produce the glucose which serves as energy. An unbalanced diet which skimps on adequate carbs can make an individual vulnerable to hypoglycemia.
• Delayed Eating: Waiting too long between meals can also cause blood sugar to fall to a level where one may experience a hypoglycemic episode.
• Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can interfere with liver function which could cause a sudden drop in blood sugar levels. The danger is more pronounced on an empty stomach.

3. Physical Activity

• Intense or Prolonged Exercise: Vigorous physical activity can deplete glycogen stores and lead to hypoglycemia, especially if food intake isn’t adjusted accordingly.
• Unaccustomed Exercise: Engaging in a strenuous workout without adjusting food intake or medication can put individuals, with or without diabetes, at risk of a hypoglycemic attack.

4. Medical Conditions

• Hormone Deficiencies: Conditions that affect the production of certain hormones that help regulate blood sugar (e.g., cortisol or glucagon) can cause hypoglycemia.
• Organ Problems: Kidney and liver diseases can compromise the body's ability to process and regulate glucose, sometimes leading to episodes of hypoglycemia.
• Tumors: Specific tumors that produce excess insulin can result in persistent hypoglycemia.

5. Other Less Common Causes

• Reactive Hypoglycemia: Also known as postprandial hypoglycemia. This occurs after eating when there's a rapid rise and subsequent drop in blood sugar.
• Sepsis: Severe infections that impair the body’s regular metabolic function may induce hypoglycemia.
• Medications: Other medications can also cause hypoglycemia either independently or by interacting with diabetes treatment. For example, some heart medications.

Cause Category	Specific Triggers
Diabetes	Insulin overdose, incorrect insulin timing, certain oral meds
Dietary	Skipping meals, insufficient carbs, delayed eating, alcohol
Physical Activity	Intense or prolonged exercise
Medical Conditions	Hormone deficiency, organ issues, tumors
Other	Reactive hypoglycemia, sepsis, certain meds

---

Treating Hypoglycemia: Immediate and Effective Steps

Responding quickly to low blood sugar is crucial. Treatment aims to swiftly elevate blood glucose levels and should be adjusted to the individual's state. Here is what should be done for timely and efficient treatment of hypoglycemia.

Immediate First Steps When Symptoms Occur:

1. Test Your Blood Sugar:
   • If you have a blood glucose meter, check your blood sugar immediately to confirm the diagnosis and to gauge the severity of the condition.
   • A blood sugar level below 70 mg/dL requires immediate intervention.
2. Follow the 15-15 Rule:
   • Consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates: This includes options like:
     • 4-5 glucose tablets.
     • Half a cup (4 oz) of fruit juice (not low-calorie or sugar-free) or regular soda.
     • 1 tablespoon of honey or sugar.
     • Hard candies (ensure proper consumption to prevent choking.)
     • Avoid high-fat choices like chocolate, as these slow the rate at which sugar is absorbed.
   • Wait 15 minutes: Allow your body to process the carbohydrates and increase your blood sugar level.
   • Recheck your blood sugar: Test again and ensure blood glucose is on the rise.
   • If your blood sugar remains below 70 mg/dL, repeat the 15-15 rule and again test after 15 minutes.

After Treatment:

1. Eat a Sustaining Meal or Snack: Once your blood sugar rises to a safe level, it's essential to have a meal or snack containing complex carbohydrates and some protein. This will help prevent a recurrence of hypoglycemia. Examples include:
   • Whole wheat bread with nut butter.
   • A small sandwich.
   • A handful of nuts and a piece of fruit.
2. Adjust Medication (if applicable): If the hypoglycemia is a recurrent issue, a conversation with your doctor to adjust the dosage of insulin or diabetes medications is crucial.
3. Educate family members/close associates: So they know how to help if they spot any symptoms of a potential hypoglycemia incident.

When to Seek Emergency Help:

• If someone with hypoglycemia becomes unresponsive, loses consciousness, has seizures, or is unable to take carbohydrates by mouth, call emergency services (like 911 in the U.S.).
• Family members should know how to administer a glucagon injection if they are trained to do so and an individual with diabetes becomes unconscious. Glucagon raises blood sugar levels swiftly.

Key Components of Hypoglycemia Treatment:

Action	Description
Immediate	Blood sugar test, consume 15g fast-acting carbs (15-15 rule), recheck in 15 minutes
Sustaining	Eat meal/snack with complex carbs & protein
Ongoing	Adjust medication (if needed), continuous management
Emergency	If unresponsive, call emergency, glucagon injection if applicable

Preventive Tips:

• Regular meals: Avoid skipping meals and ensure a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats.
• Check blood sugar: If you have diabetes or are at risk for hypoglycemia, monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.
• Be consistent: Maintain a stable pattern of meal timing and food consumption
• Adjust medication if any changes in diet, exercise, or other aspects of health occur to avoid imbalances
• Understand symptoms: Recognise the signs of hypoglycemia and educate family on it
• Carry a source of glucose: Always have a fast acting sugar source (glucose tablets/honey) on you to combat any incidence of a blood sugar drop.

By following these steps, you can respond effectively to hypoglycemia, prevent severe complications, and maintain stable blood sugar levels. It’s essential for those at risk of hypoglycemia to collaborate with their healthcare providers to create a personalized management plan.

Blood sugar levels can often be high in the morning, even before you've eaten anything. In this video, we'll explain why this happens, what it means, and what you can do to keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range and avoid the complications that can arise from Type 2 Diabetes. WEBSITE: www.friendlypharmacy5.com MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected] CHAPTERS: 00:00 Why are your sugars high in the morning? 00:27 The Soleus Pushup 01:05 The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes 02:08 The Liver and Glucose Production 03:04 Gluconeogenesis Explained 03:49 Insulin Resistance Treatments and Type 2 Diabetes 04:38 Type 2 Diabetes reversal through lifestyle changes 05:04 Consequences of untreated Type 2 Diabetes 06:12 How high blood sugar affects The Immune System 06:45 How to prevent complications from Type 2 Diabetes 07:50 Signs of good diabetes management 08:08 Type 2 Diabetes Resources Lindsay Dixon is a Registered Pharmacist residing in Canada. She obtained her Bachelors of Science degree in Brazil where she specialized in the area of Pharmacotherapy. With over 13 years of experience working in community pharmacy and in community pharmacy management, her passion lies in the areas of preventative medicine, patient-centred care, and public health education. Lindsay was the recipient of the Ben Gant Practice Innovation award from the BC Pharmacy Association in 2021 and was most recently selected by Pharmacy Practice & Business Magazine as the recipient of the Raise Your Voice Award in 2022. Lindsay is also certified in Palliative Care through the University of Victoria. To see some of my favourite products, please visit this link: (As an Amazon Associate, Lindsay earns from qualifying purchases. If you purchase any product using the post above, you are helping Lindsay to maintain this channel.) References: Can beta cells survive in people with type 2 diabetes? Gluconeogenesis: Low carbohydrate diet to achieve weight loss and improve HbA1c in type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes: experience from one general practice: Microvascular and Macrovascular Complications of Diabetes: Insulin resistance slide: SUBSCRIBE TO THE FRIENDLY PHARMACY 5 YOUTUBE CHANNEL: WEBSITE: www.friendlypharmacy5.com MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected] FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA: DISCLAIMER: Friendly Pharmacy 5 medical videos are for medical education, and are NOT intended to replace recommendations from your doctor.