Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a condition where blood glucose levels drop below a healthy range. Glucose is the body’s primary energy source, and maintaining stable blood sugar is important for overall physiological balance.
Understanding Hypoglycaemia
Hypoglycemia occurs when blood glucose levels become abnormally low. Glucose is the main energy source for the body’s cells, including the brain, which relies on a continuous supply. For many with diabetes, a blood glucose reading below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 3.9 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) is considered low. However, individual target ranges vary, so consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Recognizing Low Blood Sugar
Symptoms of low blood sugar can appear quickly and vary. Mild or moderate symptoms include shakiness, sweating, hunger, dizziness, and a fast or irregular heartbeat. Other symptoms may be headaches, fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, or tingling in the lips, tongue, or cheek.
As hypoglycemia worsens, symptoms become more severe. These may include confusion, unusual behavior, slurred speech, blurry vision, or loss of coordination. Severe hypoglycemia can lead to seizures, loss of consciousness, or coma, requiring immediate medical attention. Some individuals, particularly those with long-term diabetes, may experience “hypoglycemia unawareness,” where they do not notice symptoms until blood glucose levels are very low.
Why Blood Sugar Drops
Blood sugar can drop for several reasons, particularly in individuals managing diabetes. A common cause is an imbalance between medication, food intake, and physical activity. For instance, taking too much insulin or certain oral diabetes medications can lower blood sugar excessively.
Skipping meals, delaying meals, or not consuming enough carbohydrates can also lead to hypoglycemia. Increased physical activity without adjusting food intake or medication can cause blood glucose to drop. Alcohol consumption, especially on an empty stomach, can interfere with the liver’s ability to release stored glucose, leading to low blood sugar. Less common causes can include certain critical illnesses affecting the liver or kidneys, or rare conditions like an insulinoma, a tumor that produces too much insulin.
Managing and Preventing Low Blood Sugar
Immediate action is important when low blood sugar occurs. The “Rule of 15” is a recommended approach for mild to moderate hypoglycemia. This involves consuming 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets, half a cup of fruit juice or regular soda, or a tablespoon of sugar or honey. After 15 minutes, recheck blood sugar; if it remains below 70 mg/dL, repeat the 15-gram carbohydrate intake until levels return to a safe range. Once blood sugar is stable, a balanced snack or meal with protein and carbohydrates can help maintain glucose levels. If someone becomes disoriented or unconscious due to severe hypoglycemia, emergency glucagon may be necessary, and medical help should be sought immediately.
Preventing future episodes involves consistent self-management. Maintain a regular meal schedule and consistent carbohydrate intake to stabilize blood glucose. Monitor blood glucose levels frequently with a meter or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for timely adjustments. Adjust medication doses, particularly insulin, in consultation with a healthcare provider, especially when diet or physical activity changes. Be mindful of alcohol consumption, especially without food, as it can lower blood sugar.