Hypoglycemia Symptoms: 7 Signs You Need to Check Your Blood Sugar

Hypoglycemia, often referred to as low blood sugar, is a condition that occurs when the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood drops too low. It’s most commonly associated with diabetes treatment, but can also occur in people without diabetes in certain circumstances. Recognizing hypoglycemia symptoms early is critical for managing the condition and preventing more serious complications. This article will outline seven key signs that might indicate you need to check your blood sugar levels. Surprising Factors Affecting Your Blood Sugar Levels Beyond Food

Understanding Hypoglycemia

Before diving into the symptoms, it's important to understand what hypoglycemia is and why it happens. Blood sugar is the primary energy source for the body, and when levels drop below a certain point (usually below 70 mg/dL), your body starts to exhibit specific symptoms. For people with diabetes, this can be triggered by:

• Taking too much insulin.
• Skipping meals or eating too few carbohydrates.
• Excessive exercise without adjusting medication or food intake.
• Drinking alcohol, especially on an empty stomach.

For those without diabetes, reactive hypoglycemia can occur a few hours after eating, often due to an overproduction of insulin in response to food intake. Other non-diabetes causes include certain medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors.

7 Signs You Need to Check Your Blood Sugar

Being aware of the warning signs of hypoglycemia is crucial. If you experience any of these symptoms, checking your blood sugar with a glucose meter is the best way to confirm whether or not you're experiencing low blood sugar.

1. Shakiness and Tremors: One of the earliest and most common signs of hypoglycemia is feeling shaky or experiencing tremors, especially in your hands. This is your body's way of signaling that it's running low on fuel.

2. Sweating: Sudden and unexplained sweating, particularly when you're not physically active or in a warm environment, can be a sign of hypoglycemia. This happens because your body releases adrenaline to try and raise your blood sugar levels, leading to increased perspiration.

3. Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Feeling dizzy or lightheaded is another common symptom of low blood sugar. Glucose is essential for proper brain function, and when levels are low, it can affect your balance and orientation.

4. Confusion or Difficulty Concentrating: The brain relies heavily on glucose for energy. When blood sugar levels drop, it can become difficult to think clearly, concentrate, or make decisions. You might also experience memory lapses or general confusion.

5. Irritability or Mood Swings: Hypoglycemia can significantly impact your mood. You might feel unusually irritable, anxious, or experience sudden mood swings. These emotional changes are directly related to the brain's lack of fuel. The 5 Best Foods To Help Stabilize Blood Sugar And Avoid Spikes

6. 

   Rapid Heartbeat (Palpitations): A racing or pounding heart is another physiological response to low blood sugar. As your body tries to compensate for the lack of glucose, it releases hormones that can increase your heart rate.

   

7. Blurred Vision: Vision changes, such as blurred vision or seeing double, can also be a symptom of hypoglycemia. Like other parts of the body, the eyes need glucose to function properly, and a drop in blood sugar can affect your vision. What Is A Normal Blood Sugar Range An Easy To Read Chart By Age

What to Do if You Suspect Hypoglycemia

If you experience any of the above hypoglycemia symptoms, it's important to take action quickly. Here's what you should do:

1. Check Your Blood Sugar: Use a glucose meter to check your blood sugar level immediately. This will confirm whether you are experiencing hypoglycemia.
2. Treat the Low Blood Sugar: If your blood sugar is below 70 mg/dL (or whatever target range your doctor recommends), consume a fast-acting source of carbohydrates. This could be glucose tablets, fruit juice, regular (non-diet) soda, or hard candies. A good guideline is to consume 15 grams of carbohydrates.
3. Recheck After 15 Minutes: After 15 minutes, recheck your blood sugar levels. If they are still low, consume another 15 grams of carbohydrates.
4. Repeat as Needed: Continue this process until your blood sugar returns to a safe range.
5. Eat a Snack or Meal: Once your blood sugar is back to normal, eat a snack or meal that contains both carbohydrates and protein to help stabilize your blood sugar and prevent it from dropping again.

Preventing Hypoglycemia

For individuals with diabetes, working closely with your healthcare team is crucial for preventing hypoglycemia. This includes:

• Regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels.
• Adjusting your insulin dosage or medication as needed.
• Eating regular meals and snacks.
• Being mindful of the impact of exercise on your blood sugar.
• Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption.

For individuals without diabetes who experience reactive hypoglycemia, lifestyle adjustments such as eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding sugary foods and drinks, and increasing protein and fiber intake can help.

Severe Hypoglycemia and When to Seek Medical Attention

In some cases, hypoglycemia can become severe, leading to loss of consciousness, seizures, or coma. If someone with low blood sugar becomes unresponsive, it's important to administer glucagon (if available) and call for emergency medical assistance immediately. Glucagon is a hormone that helps raise blood sugar levels quickly.

Hypoglycemia Symptoms vs. Hyperglycemia Symptoms

It's also important to distinguish between hypoglycemia symptoms and hyperglycemia symptoms (high blood sugar). They can sometimes be confused. Here's a table summarizing the key differences:

Symptom	Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)	Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar)
Thirst	Rare	Frequent
Urination	Rare	Frequent
Hunger	Frequent	May be present, but often less pronounced
Sweating	Frequent	Less common
Vision Changes	Blurred vision	Blurred vision (long-term complication)
Confusion/Irritability	Frequent	Less common (except in severe cases)

Conclusion

Recognizing the hypoglycemia symptoms is essential for managing your health, especially if you have diabetes or are prone to low blood sugar. Paying attention to your body's signals, regularly monitoring your blood sugar, and knowing how to respond quickly can help you prevent serious complications and maintain your well-being. If you frequently experience symptoms of hypoglycemia, even if you don't have diabetes, consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Early intervention and management are key to living a healthy and fulfilling life.

By Maria L. Collazo-Clavell, M.D.