Feeling Shaky and Confused? Understanding Severe Hypoglycemia Symptoms

Have you ever experienced a sudden wave of shakiness, coupled with a disorienting fog in your brain? These could be signs of severe hypoglycemia, a serious condition resulting from dangerously low blood sugar levels. Understanding the symptoms of hypoglycemia and knowing how to respond is crucial, especially if you have diabetes or other underlying health conditions. This article will delve deep into what severe hypoglycemia entails, its potential causes, telltale symptoms, and effective treatment strategies. How To Prevent The Afternoon Blood Sugar Spike And Crash For Good

What is Severe Hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia, often referred to as "low blood sugar," occurs when the glucose level in your blood drops below normal. While mild hypoglycemia might cause minor discomfort, severe hypoglycemia presents a more significant threat. It is a condition where your blood sugar drops so low that you need help from someone else to recover. This is because the low blood sugar has impacted your brain function. For individuals with diabetes, managing blood glucose levels is an everyday balancing act, and occasionally, they may experience severe hypoglycemia even with diligent efforts. Recognizing severe hypoglycemia symptoms and acting fast can be life-saving.

Unveiling the Causes of Severely Low Blood Sugar

Numerous factors can trigger severe hypoglycemia, especially in people with diabetes. Here are some common culprits: Unexpected Factors Affecting Your Blood Sugar Every Day

• Excessive Insulin Dosage: Taking too much insulin relative to food intake is a leading cause. This is especially important for people on intensive insulin therapy.
• Skipped Meals or Insufficient Carbohydrate Intake: Neglecting meals or not eating enough carbohydrates can quickly deplete blood glucose levels.
• Intense Physical Activity: Strenuous exercise without adjusting insulin dosage or increasing carbohydrate intake can lead to a drop in blood sugar.
• Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can interfere with the liver's ability to release glucose into the bloodstream, particularly when consumed on an empty stomach.
• Certain Medications: Some non-diabetes medications can also lower blood sugar. It's crucial to review all medications with your doctor.
• Kidney or Liver Disease: These conditions can affect how your body processes insulin and glucose.
• Insulinoma: This is a rare tumor in the pancreas that causes it to release too much insulin.
• Hormonal Deficiencies: Problems with hormone production such as cortisol and growth hormone, can increase risk for hypoglycemia.

Understanding your individual risk factors is vital in preventing severe hypoglycemia. Regular monitoring of your blood glucose levels is also a must if you are at risk.

Identifying the Telltale Symptoms

The symptoms of severe hypoglycemia can vary from person to person, but some common indicators include: A Guide To Understanding Your Fasting Blood Sugar Results

• Shakiness and Trembling: A sudden feeling of inner trembling.
• Confusion and Disorientation: Difficulty thinking clearly, memory problems, and loss of orientation.
• Difficulty Speaking: Slurred speech or trouble finding the right words.
• Seizures or Convulsions: In very severe cases, low blood sugar can trigger seizures.
• Loss of Consciousness: Fainting or becoming unresponsive.
• Sweating and Clamminess: Excessive perspiration despite feeling cold.
• Heart Palpitations: A rapid or irregular heartbeat.
• Blurred Vision: Temporary vision disturbances.
• Headache: A throbbing or persistent headache.
• Weakness or Fatigue: A general feeling of being unusually tired or weak.
• Behavioral Changes: Sudden irritability, anxiety, or unusual aggression.

It is crucial to remember these symptoms because you might not always be able to recognize them yourself if your blood sugar is dangerously low. It is helpful to have family members and close friends learn what hypoglycemia looks like.

Immediate Action: How to Treat Severe Hypoglycemia

When severe hypoglycemia strikes, prompt treatment is essential to prevent serious complications. If the individual is conscious and able to swallow:

1. Administer Fast-Acting Carbohydrates: Give them a source of rapidly absorbable sugar, such as:
   • Glucose tablets or gel (follow package instructions).
   • Fruit juice (4 ounces).
   • Regular (non-diet) soda (4 ounces).
   • Hard candies (about 3-4 pieces).
2. Recheck Blood Glucose Levels: After 15 minutes, recheck their blood sugar using a glucose meter. If it's still below 70 mg/dL (or your target range), repeat the carbohydrate administration.
3. Eat a Snack: Once their blood sugar has risen to a safe level, have them eat a snack containing both carbohydrates and protein to help stabilize it, such as crackers with peanut butter or cheese.

If the individual is unconscious or unable to swallow:

1. Administer Glucagon: If you have glucagon available (a prescription medication), follow the instructions provided to administer it. Glucagon helps raise blood glucose levels. Make sure you know how to administer it and when to use it. Your doctor can guide you during the prescription process.
2. Call Emergency Services: Immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Even after administering glucagon, it's crucial to seek professional medical attention to address the underlying cause of the severe hypoglycemia.

Treatment Action	Description	When to Apply
Fast-Acting Carbs	Administer glucose tablets, juice, soda, or hard candies.	Conscious & able to swallow; blood sugar low.
Glucagon Injection	Inject prescribed glucagon kit as directed.	Unconscious or unable to swallow.
Call 911	Contact emergency medical services.	After glucagon injection, or if no glucagon available and unconscious.

Preventing Future Episodes: A Proactive Approach

Preventing severe hypoglycemia requires a multi-faceted strategy:

• Regular Blood Glucose Monitoring: Frequent monitoring, especially before meals, after exercise, and at bedtime, is crucial for identifying trends and making informed decisions about insulin dosage and food intake.
• Consistent Meal Schedules: Eating meals and snacks at consistent times helps maintain stable blood glucose levels.
• Carbohydrate Counting: Learning to accurately estimate the carbohydrate content of meals and snacks allows for more precise insulin adjustments.
• Medication Management: Work closely with your healthcare provider to adjust your insulin dosage or other diabetes medications as needed. Be aware of the side effects of medications you are taking.
• Exercise Planning: Adjust insulin dosage or increase carbohydrate intake before, during, and after exercise to prevent hypoglycemia.
• Alcohol Moderation: If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation and always with food.
• Diabetes Education: Participate in diabetes education programs to gain a deeper understanding of diabetes management techniques.

Living with Diabetes: Staying Informed and Prepared

Living with diabetes requires vigilance, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. By understanding the symptoms of severe hypoglycemia, knowing how to respond, and implementing preventative measures, you can effectively manage your blood glucose levels and minimize your risk. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.

By Osamah A. Al Ali, M.B., Ch.B.