Low Blood Sugar

Hypoglycemia is the medical term for low blood sugar. Blood sugar, or glucose, is the body's main source of energy. It is used by every cell in your body, and is necessary for your body to function properly. In fact, your brain requires a constant supply of glucose.

Your main source of glucose is the foods you eat. Carbohydrates (starches and sugars)   from vegetables, fruits, seeds, grains and beans are the starting materials that the body uses to produce glucose. During digestion, glucose is released into the bloodstream and carried to cells. In order for the glucose to get into the cells, the hormone insulin must be released by the pancreas. Insulin acts as "key," opening the cell wall to allow glucose to enter. The liver stores any unused glucose in the form of glycogen. Excess glucose that can’t be stored by the liver is stored as fat.

Hypoglycemia is a common complication of diabetes and rarely occurs in people who do not have diabetes. In people with type 1diabetes, the pancreas is unable to produce insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas either does not make the proper amount of insulin or the body's cells are not able to use the insulin produced efficiently (a condition called insulin resistance). In both types of diabetes, glucose builds up in the blood instead of being used for fuel. Treatment with insulin or oral drugs aims at lowering glucose levels.

Hypoglycemia occurs when too much medication is taken, when not enough food is eaten to balance the medication that has been taken, or when physical activity uses more calories than expected. Physical activity increases the use of glucose to fuel muscle activity and can cause hypoglycemia in people who take insulin or certain diabetes pills and do not increase calories to cover the increased activity. Excessive consumption of alcohol can also cause hypoglycemia. If not treated, hypoglycemia in people with diabetes can cause unconsciousness and death.  

In people who do not have diabetes, two types of hypoglycemia can occur: reactive and fasting hypoglycemia. In the reactive type, symptoms occur about four hours after a meal. This type of hypoglycemia is usually not associated with any disease. The cause of most cases is not known. Stomach surgery that causes rapid passage of food out of the stomach into the small intestine could cause reactive hypoglycemia. People who have an inherited condition that causes certain enzyme deficiencies can have reactive hypoglycemia.

The second type of hypoglycemia in people who don't have diabetes is fasting hypoglycemia. It is less common than reactive hypoglycemia. Symptoms occur when a person has not eaten for a prolonged time or after exercise. Causes of fasting hypoglycemia can be certain medications, excessive alcohol drinking, critical illnesses, hormonal deficiencies and some kinds of tumors.  

Symptoms

 Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia can vary from person to person. They can include:

• Hunger

• Nervousness and shakiness

• Perspiration

• Dizziness or light-headedness

• Sleepiness

• Confusion

• Difficulty speaking

What to Do

If you have diabetes and are taking medicine to control your blood sugar level, be sure to follow your diet, medication and exercise plan to avoid hypoglycemia. If you experience hypoglycemia several times a week or have a severe episode, call your health care provider. You may need a change in your treatment plan.

If you don't have diabetes, you can avoid hypoglycemia by having small, frequent meals throughout the day, including one right before bed. This will keep a regular level of glucose in your body. Be sure to include fiber, complex carbohydrates and fat in your meals. Avoid simple sugars, like honey or table sugar. Read food labels and eliminate foods that list dextrose or sucrose in their ingredient list. Limit carbohydrates that are easily absorbed by the body, such as breads and cereals. Cut back on alcohol consumption. Avoid other stimulants like coffee, soda and cigarettes. See your doctor if you experience trembling, palpitations or nervousness several hours after a high-carbohydrate meal, or if you have difficulty swallowing (this may be a sign of severe hypoglycemia).

Self-care Steps for Hypoglycemia

• A quick snack containing sugar will increase your blood sugar levels and relieve your symptoms. Examples are two or three glucose tablets, 1/2 cup of fruit juice, or five or six pieces of hard candy.

• When you exercise, increase the amount of foods you eat, especially if you have diabetes.

• If you have diabetes, always carry one of the foods listed above with you and wear a medical identification bracelet or necklace.