It looks like simply 5 or 10 years in the past, the one individuals monitoring their blood sugar have been these with diabetes who wanted to maintain observe of it to remain wholesome. However immediately, we all know greater than ever about how our blood sugar ranges have an effect on our well being—and it looks like everyone seems to be protecting observe. Whereas excessive blood sugar is the first concern for many, low blood sugar might be simply as problematic. Right here’s what it is advisable find out about what causes it, low blood sugar signs you may overlook and how you can convey your ranges again up safely.
What causes low blood sugar? It’s not simply diabetes
“Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is a condition in which your blood glucose level drops below 70 mg/dL,” explains Brynna Connor, MD, a household medication doctor in Austin, TX, and the Healthcare Ambassador at NorthwestPharmacy.com. It occurs most frequently in individuals with diabetes who’re taking remedy to deal with it, significantly insulin or sulfonylureas, usually attributable to an excessive amount of insulin or diabetes remedy. However there are different causes your blood sugar degree could drop under this threshold.
What causes low blood sugar with out diabetes? “Various factors can contribute to low blood sugar, including skipping meals, not eating enough carbohydrates, excessive exercise (especially without adequately adjusting your food intake accordingly) and drinking alcohol, especially on an empty stomach,” Dr. Connor says.
Along with these life-style components, some continual sicknesses also can trigger low blood sugar. These embrace liver circumstances (which impair your skill to control blood sugar ranges), pancreatic tumors referred to as insulinomas (which end in an excessive amount of insulin manufacturing), issues with the adrenal or pituitary glands (which have an effect on hormone manufacturing that performs a task in blood sugar regulation) and kidney illnesses (which forestall your physique from correctly excreting medicines).
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Low blood sugar signs to look at for
Why is hypoglycemia an issue? “Low blood sugar may not seem serious, but the brain relies on a continuous supply of glucose for energy and proper function,” explains Dr. Connor. “When glucose levels drop too low (below the 70 mg/dL threshold), the brain cannot function properly.” (Be taught what wholesome blood sugar ranges are to your age right here.)
This may result in a bunch of low blood sugar signs, a few of which might be harmful or are sometimes written off as different well being points. They embrace:
Wanting pale
Shaking
Sweating
Headache
Nausea
An irregular or speedy heartbeat
Fatigue
Irritability or nervousness
Hassle concentrating
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
Tingling or numbness within the lips, tongue or cheek
If hypoglycemia will get worse or goes on for longer with out being seen, it could possibly result in extra critical signs. They embrace:
Confusion
Lack of coordination
Slurred speech
Blurry imaginative and prescient
Nightmares
Lack of consciousness
Seizures
When you discover any signs of low blood glucose, examine your ranges immediately utilizing a tool resembling a steady glucose monitor (CGM) or glucose meter. When you don’t have a approach to examine your blood sugar, name your physician and get the okay to observe the recommendation under for bringing your ranges again up.
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The best way to elevate low blood sugar
The excellent news: It’s straightforward to convey your blood sugar again up rapidly when you begin to expertise signs of hypoglycemia and/otherwise you measure your blood sugar and it’s low. “For mild-to-moderate hypoglycemia, you should follow the 15-15 rule,” says Dr. Connor. “Consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, such as four ounces of juice, glucose tablets or regular soda, then recheck your blood sugar in 15 minutes. If it’s still low, repeat the process.” As soon as it will get again up above 70 mg/dL, you’ll be high quality.
You probably have diabetes and expertise continual low blood sugar, it’s possible you’ll develop one thing referred to as hypoglycemia unawareness, during which you cease experiencing signs. If this occurs, it’s possible you’ll have to examine your blood glucose ranges extra usually to keep away from a extreme episode.
When to name a health care provider
For extreme hypoglycemia, during which the particular person is unconscious or can’t swallow, name 911 immediately. “A glucagon injection or nasal glucagon should be administered by a trained professional, which includes medical professionals, emergency responders or trained individuals such as caregivers, family members, friends or colleagues who have been trained on how to use a glucagon kit,” Dr. Connor says.
“Once in a hospital setting, IV dextrose may be given,” she provides. “And once blood sugar normalizes, a snack containing protein and complex carbs should be consumed to help maintain levels.”
Extra methods to maintain your blood sugar in a wholesome vary:
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This content material shouldn’t be an alternative choice to skilled medical recommendation or analysis. At all times seek the advice of your doctor earlier than pursuing any therapy plan.
