All About Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar or Hypoglycemia is a dangerous situation which happens with people suffering from diabetes who take medication that increases the insulin level in the body( more than normally produced by the body. 

Your body gets glucose from food you consume-Carbohydrates which acts as an important energy source. Some of commonly consumed carbs include potato, whole flour, all purpose flour, rice, bread, cereals, fruits & vegetables & milk.

After you consume something, it breaks down into glucose which is absorbed in your bloodstream. Once glucose is in your bloodstream, Insulin comes into picture & signals all the cells in your body to absorb glucose to generate energy which is used for daily chores. This results in reducing your blood sugar levels.

If you consume more glucose than you need, your body will store them in liver & muscles or convert it into fat which can be used to expend energy later.

Without sufficient glucose your body cannot perform normal functions until you are using fat as fuel for generating energy (those who have adopted Ketosis diet). It is important to remember that except the brain all other body functions can function when we use fat as a fuel to generate energy. Glucose storage can easily be depleted in one day, making it a short term fuel.

A short-term reduction in blood sugar can cause a lot of problems for those on medication. Blood sugar is considered low when it drops below 70 mg/dL. Immediate treatment for low blood sugar levels is important to prevent more serious symptoms from developing.

What are symptoms of Hypoglycemia?

1. Rapid heartbeat
2. Blurry Vision
3. Unexplained fatigue
4. Headache
5. Hunger
6. Dizziness
7. Sweating
8. Difficulty in sleeping
9. Pale Skin

People who are unaware of Hypoglycemia do not know their blood sugar is dropping. If this is the case, without treatment, you can experience dizziness, seizure or even go into a coma.

If someone is having diabetes & experiencing milk to moderate symptoms of low sugar, he/she should immediately consume either of the following:

1. 1 tablespoon of sugar
2. Half glass of juice or soda
3. 1 tablespoon of honey
4. 2 to 3 sugar candies

Diabetes-Main reason for Hypoglycemia

Diabetes is the main contributing factor for low blood sugar. Diabetes impacts your body’s ability to produce insulin. As a result, you have to either take insulin injections or medication to get enough insulin to regulate your sugar level. However, taking too many medications or injections, over a period of time increases the number of insulin produced in the body which lowers your blood sugar level. Drinking alcohol when you are on medication also lowers your blood sugar level specifically when this drinking replaces your meal.

Other reasons for Hypoglycemia include skipping meals, consuming less than your daily requirement, exercising more than usual & certain medical conditions such as Hepatitis B & kidney & endocrine disorders.

How can you prevent low blood sugar level?

1. Regularly check your blood sugar level so that you maintain it in acceptable range. In case you have frequent events of hypoglycemia, check your sugar level before you driving or operating machinery
2. Snacking: Consider having snacks before leaving home if you think it will be more than 5 hours when you take your next meal or your blood sugar level is below 100 mg/dL. You should also consider keeping carbs rich snacks ready if your blood sugar level dips when you are out. Some foods can be granola bars, dried fruit, fruit juice or cookies.
3. Intra-workout meals: If you do high intense workout for periods exceeding 60 to 75 minutes, you should prefer having carbohydrate meals in between workouts. Sports drinks, granola bars, high electrolyte drinks & even sugar candy. Intense exercise drops your glucose level upto 24 hours after exercise. So make sure that you check your glucose level if you do workout more than 90 minutes daily.

PS: Originally published on www.thesushantkumar.com