Hypoglycemia. In diabetics, hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is prevalent. However, it can also occasionally impact those who do not have diabetes. Consuming carbs is the first line of treatment for hypoglycemia. Severe low blood sugar has the potential to be fatal if untreated. Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is the result of blood glucose levels falling below the normal range, which is normally less than 70 mg/dL.
HYPOGLYCEMIA
It’s a dangerous illness that, if untreated, can cause a number of symptoms and negative consequences. If the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood falls below the range that is considered healthy for you, you have hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar and low blood glucose are other names for it. Those who have diabetes, particularly Type 1 diabetes, frequently experience hypoglycemia.
Signs
Hypoglycemia symptoms can appear suddenly and differ from person to person. Additionally, a single person may have distinct symptoms for every episode. Hypoglycemia has unpleasant symptoms. However, they serve as helpful reminders to act before your blood sugar levels continue to decline. Among the symptoms are trembling or shaking. Weakness. chills and sweat. severe hunger. elevated heart rate. lightheadedness or dizziness. confusion or difficulty focusing. agitation or nervousness. Pallor is the loss of skin color. Nocturnal hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can also occur while you’re asleep. Among the symptoms could be restless sleep.
perspiring through your bedding or pajamas.
crying while you’re asleep.
I’m having nightmares.
feeling exhausted, lost, or perplexed after waking up.
Causes
The insulin may be administered incorrectly, in excess, or in the wrong muscle rather than the fat.
incorrectly timing insulin and carbohydrate consumption (e.g., waiting too long to eat after taking insulin for the meal).
using oral diabetes drugs in excess or in excess of the recommended dosage.
becoming more energetic than normal.
alcohol consumption without food.
either missing meals or eating later than normal.
not using fat, protein, and fiber to balance meals.
Low blood sugar during the first trimester is also more likely to occur in pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes because of hormonal changes.
Treatment
Consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates to increase blood sugar levels.
Assess your blood sugar levels fifteen minutes later.
15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates should be consumed if the level is still below 70 mg/dL.
Continue until you have at least 70 mg/dL of blood sugar.
Reading food nutrition labels will help you determine how much carbohydrates you’re consuming. Foods with roughly 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates include, for instance:
One little fruit, like half a banana.
4 ounces (1/2 cup) of regular Coke (not diet) or juice.
One teaspoon of syrup, honey, or sugar.
One tube of glucose gel instant (follow the directions).
Take three or four glucose tablets (see the directions).
Prevention
Make sure you take all of your prescriptions as directed.
Observe your doctor’s dietary and exercise recommendations.
Before and after meals, before and after exercise, and before bed, check your blood sugar levels often or use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).
Once a low blood sugar episode has been addressed, record the incident in writing. Add information about the time, recent food intake, exercise, symptoms, and blood sugar level. In order to try to avoid future lows, this can assist you and your physician in modifying your treatment strategy.
Summary
You should consult your healthcare practitioner if you have low blood sugar but do not have diabetes. Although it is uncommon, it is possible that a serious condition is the underlying cause. Getting checked out as soon as possible is preferable.