Low Blood Sugar: A Brief Outline
Low blood sugar is also known as hypoglycemia. It is commonly seen in individuals suffering from diabetes.
Hormones are used by the body to maintain normal ranges of blood sugar. However, health conditions in the long term may occur, which need treatment. This may cause the sugar levels in the blood to drop below normal levels. Individuals suffering from diabetes often demonstrate low blood sugar. Low blood sugar can also manifest itself in individuals who do not suffer from diabetes. The following are some of the causes of low blood sugar:
- Medications such as MAO inhibitors (used in the treatment of depression), quinine sulfate (used in the treatment of malaria) and aspirin
- Consumption of excessive alcohol
- Disorders that affect the liver, adrenal glands, kidneys, and pancreas
- Problems related to metabolism
- Complication arising from stomach surgery
Low blood sugar has several stages. The symptoms depend on the stage of low blood sugar:
- Mild Hypoglycemia: This can cause hunger pangs. Individuals may feel like vomiting. Some individuals report nervousness or jittery feelings. The heart rate may increase. Individuals may sweat profusely. The skin may get clammy and cold.
- Moderate Hypoglycemia: Individuals suffering from this condition may feel nervous, confused, afraid, or short-tempered. Blurring of the vision may occur. Individuals could feel unsteady and may have trouble while walking.
- Severe Hypoglycemia: At this stage, individuals may pass out. Seizures could occur. In severe cases, coma and death may occur.
Hypoglycemia manifesting itself at night may cause headache next morning. Some individuals having low blood sugar have reported nightmares. Profuse sweating may also occur.Doctors conduct physical exams and ask several questions for the diagnosis of hypoglycemia. Individuals will need to undergo tests that determine the level of blood sugar. Individuals should inform the doctor if they are consuming any medications. Recent weight loss or weight gain must also be reported.In order to be diagnosed with hypoglycemia, individuals will need to show low blood sugar levels in their blood tests. Also, the symptoms should subside when individuals consume food or drinks containing sugar.
Individuals demonstrating low blood sugar symptoms consume food and drinks that contain sugar. For instance, one could munch on raisins, crackers, or candy. Popular drinks include skimmed milk, regular soda, and fruit juice. Glucose tablets may also be consumed. It is important to have knowledge of nutritional health problems and conditions that can cause low blood sugar. Close attention should be paid to lifestyle and health factors. For instance, consult a doctor for making alterations to your diet. Individuals may also be put on medications. Exercise is of supreme importance. In most cases, tackling the conditions that cause low blood sugar prevents further complications.
What Are the Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar?
Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, is a common problem. In reality, while many of the symptoms may be present, hypoglycemia may not be documented or confirmed. The presence of true hypoglycemia without the occurrence of diabetes needs comprehensive evaluation by an endocrinologist. Hypoglycemia is common among children and elderly. However, it can occur at any age. When the serum glucose levels drop below 70 mg/dL, hypoglycemia is said to occur.
Diagnosis of hypoglycemia is made by the presence of three features, which is also known as Whipple’s triad. The three features include:
- A low concentration of plasma glucose
- Symptom relief after the plasma glucose level becomes normal
- Symptoms of low blood sugar appear when the blood glucose level dips below 60 mg/dL. Some individuals may experience symptoms at this stage. If the blood glucose levels drop below 50 mg/dL, brain function is affected.
Glucose is the primary source of energy for the brain, muscles and other vital cells. The body regulates blood glucose levels by the actions of various hormones, including insulin. Insulin lowers blood sugar levels whereas other hormones such as glucagon, growth hormone, and epinephrine raise blood sugar levels. Both insulin and glucagon are produced in the pancreas, which lies near the stomach. It assists the digestive tract. Specialized cells in the pancreas, known as beta cells, produce insulin. Alpha cells in the pancreas produce glucagon. Insulin helps in the absorption of glucose in the blood. It either stores it in the liver or transports it to several tissues of the body for metabolism and storage. Glucagon increases the glucose levels in the blood through the breakdown of stored glucose or starch. It releases it from the liver into the bloodstream. If the liver and pancreas are functioning normally, there is a correct balance of insulin and glucagon.
The symptoms of low blood sugar vary from individual to individual as low blood sugar can be mild, moderate, or severe.
Mild hypoglycemia
When blood glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dL, symptoms of mild hypoglycemia are seen:
- Nausea
- Extreme hunger
- Nervousness
- Feeling jittery
- Cold and wet skin
- Sweating not caused by exercise
- Rapid heart beat
- Trembling
- Numbness and tingling sensation in the fingertips and lips
Moderate Hypoglycemia
Symptoms of moderate hypoglycemia occur when blood glucose levels fall below 55 mg/dL.
- Mood swings including irritability, anxiety, restlessness and anger
- Confusion and inability to concentrate
- Blurred vision, dizziness, and headache
- Weakness and fatigue
- Poor coordination skills
- Difficulty in walking and talking including staggering and slurred speech
- Fatigue and drowsiness
Severe hypoglycemia
Severe hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels range from 35 mg/dL to 40 mg/dL.
- Seizures
- Convulsions
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Hypothermia or low body temperature