What a Sudden Drop in Blood Sugar Feels Like and What to Do Immediately

Experiencing a sudden drop in blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, can be a frightening experience. It's essential to understand what triggers these episodes, recognize the symptoms, and know exactly what steps to take to quickly raise your blood sugar levels. This article will provide comprehensive insight into recognizing, responding to, and managing low blood sugar levels effectively. What Causes A High A1C Blood Sugar And How Can You Lower It

Understanding Hypoglycemia: The Basics

Hypoglycemia occurs when the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood drops too low. While it’s most common among people with diabetes who take insulin or certain oral medications, it can also occur in non-diabetics under specific circumstances. Understanding the common causes of low blood glucose is the first step in prevention. Low Blood Sugar Symptoms Hypoglycemia What To Do For Quick Relief

Common causes of hypoglycemia include:

• Excessive Insulin: Taking too much insulin relative to food intake.
• Skipped Meals: Delaying or skipping meals or snacks, especially if taking diabetes medication.
• Increased Exercise: Engaging in unexpected or strenuous physical activity without adjusting medication or food intake.
• Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol, especially without eating, can impair the liver's ability to release glucose into the bloodstream.
• Certain Medical Conditions: Underlying conditions like kidney or liver disorders can impact blood sugar regulation.

Recognizing the Signs: What a Sudden Drop Feels Like

A sudden drop in blood sugar can manifest in various ways, and symptoms can vary from person to person. Recognizing these early warning signs is crucial for prompt intervention.

Common symptoms of hypoglycemia include:

• Shakiness or Trembling: This is often one of the first noticeable signs.
• Sweating: Even in a cool environment, excessive sweating can occur.
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness: A feeling of instability or spinning.
• Rapid Heartbeat: A pounding or racing heart.
• Hunger: An intense craving for food.
• Confusion or Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble thinking clearly or focusing on tasks.
• Irritability or Anxiety: Feeling agitated, nervous, or easily upset.
• Blurred Vision: Temporary vision problems.
• Weakness or Fatigue: An overwhelming feeling of tiredness.
• Headache: A throbbing or persistent pain in the head.

If blood sugar levels drop severely, more serious symptoms can occur, including:

• Loss of Coordination: Difficulty walking or performing simple tasks.
• Seizures: Uncontrolled muscle spasms and loss of consciousness.
• Loss of Consciousness: Fainting or unresponsiveness.

Immediate Actions: What To Do When Blood Sugar Plummets

When you suspect a sudden drop in blood sugar, it's critical to act quickly. The primary goal is to raise your blood sugar levels back to a safe range as rapidly as possible.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do:

1. Check Your Blood Sugar (If Possible): Use a blood glucose meter to confirm if your blood sugar is indeed low. Target values generally fall below 70 mg/dL. If you can't check it right away, it is better to treat presumptively based on symptoms than to wait.
2. Follow the 15-15 Rule:
   • Consume 15 grams of rapidly absorbed carbohydrates. Examples include:
     • 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of fruit juice (not sugar-free)
     • 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of regular (non-diet) soda
     • 1 tablespoon of honey or syrup
     • Glucose tablets (follow package instructions for 15 grams)
     • Hard candies (check labels for carb counts)
   • Wait 15 minutes.
   • Recheck your blood sugar. If it's still below 70 mg/dL, repeat the 15-15 rule.
3. Once Blood Sugar Returns to Normal:
   • Eat a meal or snack containing protein and complex carbohydrates to stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent another drop. Examples include:
     • Crackers with peanut butter
     • Cheese and whole-wheat crackers
     • A small sandwich
4. If You're Unable to Swallow or Are Unconscious:
   • If you’re unable to swallow or are unconscious, someone should administer glucagon (if available) and call for emergency medical help immediately. Glucagon is a hormone that stimulates the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream.

Preventing Future Episodes of Hypoglycemia

While treating a sudden drop in blood sugar is essential, preventing future episodes is even more important.

Here are some strategies for minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia:

• Regular Blood Sugar Monitoring: Check your blood sugar levels regularly, especially before meals, before and after exercise, and before bedtime.
• Consistent Meal Schedule: Avoid skipping meals or snacks, especially if you take insulin or oral diabetes medications.
• Medication Management: Work closely with your healthcare provider to adjust your medication dosages as needed, particularly if you change your diet or activity level.
• Carbohydrate Counting: Learn how to count carbohydrates to match your insulin doses with your food intake accurately.
• Be Mindful of Exercise: Plan ahead when exercising. Adjust your insulin dose or consume extra carbohydrates before, during, or after physical activity.
• Limit Alcohol Consumption: Drink alcohol in moderation and always with food.
• Carry a Medical ID: Wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace indicating that you have diabetes and are prone to hypoglycemia. This can help emergency responders provide appropriate treatment if you’re unable to communicate.
• Educate Family and Friends: Make sure your family members, friends, and coworkers know how to recognize the signs of hypoglycemia and how to help you if you experience a severe episode.
• Keep Emergency Supplies Handy: Always carry a quick source of carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets or juice, with you. Keep glucagon on hand and ensure your loved ones know how to administer it in case of an emergency.

Hypoglycemia in Non-Diabetics

While hypoglycemia is most commonly associated with diabetes, it can occasionally occur in people without diabetes. This is known as non-diabetic hypoglycemia.

Potential causes of non-diabetic hypoglycemia include:

• Reactive Hypoglycemia: This occurs when the body releases too much insulin after a meal, causing a rapid drop in blood sugar. It's often linked to high-carbohydrate meals.
• Post-Gastric Bypass: Some individuals who have undergone gastric bypass surgery may experience hypoglycemia due to rapid digestion and insulin release.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as quinine (used to treat malaria) and pentamidine (used to treat pneumonia), can cause hypoglycemia as a side effect.
• Tumors: Rare insulin-producing tumors (insulinomas) can cause excessive insulin secretion, leading to hypoglycemia.
• Hormone Deficiencies: Conditions affecting the adrenal or pituitary glands can disrupt hormone regulation and impact blood sugar levels.
• Critical Illness: Severe infections, liver disease, or kidney failure can also contribute to hypoglycemia.

The Importance of Consulting Healthcare Professionals

If you experience frequent or severe episodes of hypoglycemia, whether you have diabetes or not, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider. They can help you identify the underlying cause, adjust your treatment plan if needed, and provide guidance on how to manage your blood sugar levels effectively.

Summary Table of Actions for Hypoglycemia

Here's a helpful table summarizing the actions to take during a sudden drop in blood sugar: The 7 Best Foods To Help Stabilize Blood Sugar And Prevent Spikes

Action	Description
Check Blood Sugar	If possible, use a **blood glucose meter** to confirm low blood sugar (typically below 70 mg/dL).
Follow the 15-15 Rule	Consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, wait 15 minutes, and recheck blood sugar. Repeat if necessary.
Eat a Balanced Snack	Once blood sugar is normal, eat a meal or snack containing protein and complex carbohydrates to stabilize levels.
Administer Glucagon	If the person is unable to swallow or is unconscious, administer **glucagon** and call emergency services immediately.
Seek Medical Advice	Consult with a healthcare provider to identify the underlying cause and adjust treatment as needed.

Conclusion

Understanding what a sudden drop in blood sugar feels like and knowing how to respond is crucial, particularly for individuals with diabetes. By recognizing the symptoms, following appropriate treatment steps, and implementing preventative strategies, you can effectively manage your blood sugar levels and minimize the risk of future hypoglycemic episodes. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and to address any concerns related to hypoglycemia. Remember, being proactive about your health can significantly improve your quality of life.

By Joshua J. Keith, D.O.