For those with diabetes, it is a difficult task to manage blood sugar levels, while hyperglycemia is very common, many also experience episodes of dangerously low blood sugar levels, when glucose is below the standard range.
glucose, according to healthlineIt is, according to doctors, the primary source of energy in the body. It is vital for diabetic patients as both the ups and downs can be upsetting and balance must be maintained.
If caught early, low blood sugar levels become very easy to manage with lifestyle modifications. lack of blood sugar is a lifetime requirement; You can manage its symptoms by following a proper diet and exercise pattern.
How much blood sugar is considered normal?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hypoglycemia occurs when the blood glucose level is less than 70 mg/dL. It may lead to unconsciousness, seizures, coma, and even death.
Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar levels
According to the Mayo Clinic, common signs of low blood sugar levels include the following:
-
Sweating profusely
-
Feeling very hungry
-
Feeling dizzy and fainting
-
Fatigue and extreme tiredness
-
Chronic headache
-
Blurry vision
-
Seizures, mild and strong
-
Numbness and tingling in the hands, lips, arms, legs, and toes
-
Inability to concentrate
-
Poor body coordination
-
Worry
-
hard breathing
-
Irregular and rapid heartbeat
-
look pale
-
Getting nightmares when sleeping
-
Unconsciousness
What causes hypoglycemia?
Says Healthline Hypoglycemia or sugar levels usually drop to extremely low levels for the following reasons:
Organization:
A hormone from the pancreas known as glucagon signals the liver to break down stored glycogen and release glucose into the bloodstream. It keeps your blood sugar within the standard range as it should be. However, if you have diabetes and you don’t eat for a long time, your blood sugar levels drop as the body stops producing insulin. With prolonged and continuous fasting, the body can break down fat stores and use fat breakdown products as an alternative fuel.
pharmaceutical:
Doctors say that taking medications such as kalaquin, used to treat malaria, can cause hypoglycemia. Also, people who do not have diabetes, if they take medications to control their blood sugar levels, can suffer from this condition.
Drinking too much alcohol:
Drinking on an empty stomach severely prevents the liver from releasing glucose from glycogen stores into the bloodstream, resulting in hypoglycemia.
Suffering from other serious illnesses:
Those who suffer from other serious diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, kidney infections, and heart disease can develop hypoglycemia.
Not eating carbohydrates:
After a diagnosis of diabetes, many people avoid carbohydrates at all. Since carbohydrates are the primary source of energy, they may cause a drop in blood glucose.
High intensity exercises:
Many people with diabetes do high-intensity exercises, without eating proper meals. This can trigger a hypoglycemic episode.
Excess insulin production:
Many people have a tumor of the pancreas, known as an insulinoma, which causes it to secrete too much insulin, resulting in hypoglycemia..
Hormonal deficiency:
Certain disorders of the adrenal and pituitary glands can result in insufficient amount of certain hormones that regulate glucose production or metabolism..
How do we prevent hypoglycemia?
There are several ways to prevent the threat of low blood sugar levels, as prescribed by health professionals, namely:
Rule 15-15
The Centers for Disease Control says that if you have low blood sugar between 55-69 mg/dL, you can increase it by following the 15-15 rule, in which you check your sugar levels following every 15 minutes of eating 15 grams of carbohydrates. If it’s still below the target range, eat another meal, and keep repeating the steps until it’s below normal.
Once it’s normal, eat a nutritious meal or snack to ensure it doesn’t go down once more. Doctors recommend foods that contain 15 grams of carbohydrates:
-
a glass of juice
-
A spoonful of honey or sugar
-
hard candy
3-4 glucose tablets
Always remember that it takes some time for your sugar levels to rise following you have finished eating, so there is no need to panic. Also, since carbs are full of fiber, this can slow down the speed at which sugar is absorbed, so don’t overindulge..
Regular monitoring
Doctors recommend writing down blood sugar readings at least twice a day, before and following meals. You also need to keep a continuous glucose monitor to benefit the process and improve diabetes control.
Playing sports
Apart from other health benefits, exercise and exercises help prevent hypoglycemia.
Eat a well-balanced diet
It is very important to eat a proper, nutritious and balanced diet for people with diabetes. Doctors recommend eating smaller meals every 3-4 hours that include a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats so your glucose levels stay in control.
