Since diabetes is associated with the body’s inability to properly regulate blood sugar levels, a situation where glucose levels drop dramatically is possible. It is extremely important to know the symptoms of this phenomenon in order to provide timely medical assistance.
Hypoglycemia – what is it?
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body cannot produce enough insulin or loses the ability to use it properly. Since insulin is responsible for the metabolism of carbohydrates, the disease is directly related to fluctuations in blood sugar.
Without insulin, the body’s cells cannot use glucose for fuel (type 1 diabetes), leading to dangerously high blood sugar. In turn, the loss of sensitivity to insulin (typical of type 2 diabetes) leads to its overproduction, which can excessively lower the sugar level.
Actually, hypoglycemia is a condition in which the level of glucose in the blood drops to dangerously low values. If hypoglycemia is not recognized in time and the sugar level is normalized, there is a risk of loss of consciousness and even a direct danger to life.
Low blood sugar – how does it manifest itself?
Since hypoglycemia is characterized by low blood sugar, it primarily manifests itself in a feeling of weakness, dizziness, and nausea. A person may suddenly turn pale, lose coordination of movements or the ability to react to surrounding stimuli.
Hypoglycemia – symptoms:
- muscle weakness, drowsiness;
- difficulties with speech;
- dizziness and blurred vision;
- increased irritability;
- feeling hungry;
- loss of sense of reality;
- convulsions;
- increased sweating;
- loss of consciousness;
The danger is that the presence of diabetes for a long time can lead to a consistently low level of sugar in the blood – in this case, the symptoms of hypoglycemia can be much less pronounced, quickly reaching the stage of unconsciousness.
Information for informational purposes. Should not be used for diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Why does hypoglycemia occur?
Hypoglycemia can occur both against the background of excessive physical exertion (recall that muscles use glucose as fuel, which can dangerously reduce its level), and against the background of emotional overload (adrenaline and cortisol can also reduce blood sugar levels).
In addition, hypoglycemia is sometimes associated with an improperly selected diet – an excess of food provokes the body to produce a lot of insulin, which can lead to a further drop in blood sugar. Plus, hypoglycemia can be observed during fasting (which is why diabetics should not starve).
Hypoglycemia in healthy people
Symptoms of hypoglycemia can easily appear even in people without diabetes – especially during prolonged physical exertion against the background of following a strict low-carbohydrate diet. A person may suddenly turn pale or even faint.
It must be remembered that a sharp restriction of caloric intake, as well as following a carbohydrate-free keto diet or intermittent fasting has a number of contraindications – and may be prohibited even for people without diabetes.
Hypoglycemia – what to do?
If the person has visible symptoms of hypoglycemia, but is still conscious (even if disoriented), help them raise their blood sugar as soon as possible – for this, it is enough to take 15 g of sugar or any fast carbohydrates.
Half a glass of fruit juice or 3-4 glucose tablets is the best choice – but remember that the carbohydrates in cookies, chocolate bars and regular foods are bound to fats and proteins (which actually slows down their absorption).
If the person is already experiencing convulsions, does not respond to your speech, or has fainted, do not try to force him to eat or drink something. He can suffocate and lose the ability to breathe. Seek immediate medical attention.
Source of recommendations
The description of symptoms of hypoglycemia and the strategy of behavior at a low blood sugar level are based on the recommendations of the Cleveland Clinic — the largest American medical center, which has more than 67 thousand specialists in the state and serves about 8 million patients a year.
Conclusion
Hypoglycemia is a condition in which the blood sugar level is dangerously low. It is extremely important to be able to recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia in order to help a person in time. It should also be noted that hypoglycemia can occur during active sports and instead of a low-carbohydrate diet.
Information for informational purposes. Consult a specialist for details.
