Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, happens when the glucose levels in your blood drop too low. It’s normal for these levels to change throughout the day, and many people might deal with mild hypoglycemia occasionally. However, if it becomes severe and isn’t treated right away, it can be dangerous.
Hypoglycemia is especially common in people with type 1 diabetes and those with type 2 diabetes who use insulin. Diabetes affects your pancreas, which may produce little to no insulin, the hormone managing your blood sugar. Hypoglycemia might also stem from different medical conditions or medication.
The symptoms of hypoglycemia vary based on severity, starting from hunger and shakiness to more serious issues like seizures or trouble walking and talking. Treatment focuses on increasing blood glucose back to a normal range and understanding the cause to prevent future incidents. Generally, a normal fasting blood glucose level ranges from 70 mg/dL to 99 mg/dL.
Hypoglycemia itself can range from mild to severe, and symptoms can show up quickly. Everyone might experience these symptoms slightly differently. Early signs include hunger, dizziness, sweating, shakiness, and a fast heartbeat. If ignored, these can escalate into worse symptoms. That’s why it’s crucial to recognize any changes in your body to tackle these symptoms early.
Your body might run low on glucose if it uses more than it produces or gets from food, preventing the release of glucose into the bloodstream for energy. Glucose, the simplest sugar form, is absorbed from food and powers both conscious activities like moving and thinking, and unconscious functions like breathing.
Your pancreas produces insulin and glucagon, hormones that work together to regulate blood sugar. Insulin stops blood glucose from getting too high, while glucagon prevents it from dropping too low. Think of them as a thermostat trying to keep your blood sugar stable.
Several factors can cause hypoglycemia, differing based on the primary reason. In diabetes, the body’s glucose-regulating system isn’t working right. Type 1 diabetics don’t make enough or any insulin, while those with type 2 diabetes make insulin but don’t use it effectively. While low blood sugar is more prevalent in people with type 1 diabetes, it can still affect those with type 2.
One study from 2016 found that 83% of people with type 1 diabetes and 46.5% of people with type 2 diabetes reported low blood sugar within a four-week period. In both types, low blood glucose can arise from various causes, including skipping meals, too much insulin, or intensive exercise without eating enough.
Hypoglycemia unrelated to diabetes is rare but can happen, especially in those over 65. Other medical conditions like insulinoma or non-insulinoma pancreatogenous hypoglycemia syndrome (NIPH), both involving insulin, can also cause hypoglycemia. Additionally, certain drugs might lower blood sugar.
Testing for hypoglycemia is crucial if you suspect it. You should test when experiencing symptoms or after a fast. People with diabetes typically have devices for monitoring blood sugar at home to check their levels regularly. Blood tests can confirm hypoglycemia and help determine its cause, such as through a C-peptide test that looks at insulin production.
The main goal of treatment is to bring blood sugar back to normal to ensure your body has enough energy. If you can’t test your blood sugar right away, it’s important to treat any symptoms immediately. For diabetics, a common method is the 15-15 Rule: eat 15 grams of carbohydrates, wait 15 minutes, then test your blood sugar. If it’s still low, eat another 15 grams and test again.
Avoiding severe hypoglycemia is about managing your diabetes carefully. People at risk might have a glucagon prescription for emergencies. It’s helpful if friends and family know how to administer glucagon if needed. To prevent hypoglycemia, focus on your eating and exercise habits, plus medication impacts. Consider eating smaller meals and snacks every few hours and avoid high-sugar, alcohol, and caffeine-heavy foods. Consult a healthcare provider for strategies tailored to your situation.
Staying informed about hypoglycemia is key, especially if you have diabetes. Monitoring your blood sugar levels frequently can help catch any dips early. Research often highlights type 2 diabetics who may also have conditions like hypertension or kidney disease, which could increase hypoglycemia risk.
Repeated hypoglycemia episodes can lead to hypoglycemia unawareness, meaning you don’t feel symptoms until it’s too late. Regular testing helps you prevent this and other complications. Discuss with a healthcare provider how to prevent hypoglycemia effectively.
Hypoglycemia is manageable and often preventable with lifestyle changes, like having snacks readily available and balancing diet and exercise. It’s beneficial to talk with a healthcare provider if you suspect a medication might be affecting your blood sugar, as you might need an alternative. While managing the risk of hypoglycemia requires some adjustment at first, it becomes easier over time. Regularly checking your blood sugar and being mindful of how your body responds can help you stay on top of your health.
