Low Blood Sugar Can Be Deadly. Here's What You Should Know

Hypoglycemia is a condition characterized by low level of blood sugar. It is commonly seen in people suffering from diabetes. However, anyone starving for long durations can also, at times, suffer from hypoglycemia. It is a relatively dangerous condition as compared to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

What are the common causes of Hypoglycemia?

Overdoses of diabetes medications are said to be the major cause of hypoglycemia. It can also occur as a side-effect of some diabetes medications, including insulin and oral diabetes medications—pills—that increase insulin production.
Apart from these, some other causes that can lead to hypoglycemia are: 

• Delayed food consumption
• Starvation for long hours
• Increased activity or exercise
• Extreme loose motions and vomiting
• Excessive alcohol consumption

How to identify the symptoms of Hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia is a health emergency, which, if left unattended, can lead to life-threatening complications. Here are the symptoms one should observe:

• Sweating with weakness
• Increased hunger
• Increased heartbeats and palpitation
• Shivering
• Giddiness and behavioral changes
• Mental confusion progressing to unconsciousness
• Blurring of vision
• Rarely fits-like reaction

How to prevent Hypoglycemia?

To prevent hypoglycemia, keep the following in mind:

Food Wise: A registered dietitian can help design a meal plan that fits one’s personal preferences and lifestyle. People with diabetes should eat regular meals at an interval of 2-3 hours and should never skip meals.
Medications Wise: Seek your doctor’s help to understand diabetes medications and its dosage. Strictly follow the prescribed advice.
Exercise Wise: For diabetics, it is recommended to check their blood glucose before involving into any strenuous sports, exercise, or other physical activity.

How to manage Hypoglycemia?

Here are the ways to manage hypoglycemia:

• Hypoglycemia, at home, can be treated with oral glucose, sugar water solution, or fruit juices. Solid sweet food or fruits like a banana can also be eaten but it should always be considered the second line choices.
• In case of severe hypoglycemia, one can lose consciousness. Consider taking the patient to the nearby emergency room at the earliest. 
• It takes around 15 minutes for the blood sugars to become normal after consumption of sugar.  Hence, do not panic.
• Hypoglycemia can also happen due to excessive vomiting or loose motions. Consult a doctor immediately.
• If you are prone to low blood sugar levels, always carry candies, peppermints, chocolates, sugar cubes or any other sweet food item whenever you go out.

Hypoglycemia is a very common but avoidable complication. Consumption of food at regular intervals along with right doses of medications can help in maintaining our blood sugar levels normal.