Don’t let low blood sugar slow you down! Hypoglycemia can bring on both immediate and lasting issues.
Learn the warning signs so you can address them quickly and get back on track.
For people who are living with diabetes, managing blood sugar is a constant balancing act. While high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) needs to be addressed, drops to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) are just as concerning.
Hypoglycemia occurs when the level of glucose in the blood falls below a certain level (below 4mmol/L (72mg/dL)) – lower than it should be. It is caused by too high a dose of medication, delayed meals, too much exercise, alcohol on an empty stomach, or drinking too much and declining kidney function.
Many people with type 2 diabetes get low blood sugar. Low blood sugar is especially common for people taking insulin. Studies show they might experience this around 19 times a year, with some even having a more serious episode once a year. It can be very dangerous, but you can take steps to prevent it.
When your blood sugar dips too low, you may want to look out for these 10 symptoms:
1. Difficulty Concentrating
The brain relies heavily on glucose, a type of sugar found in your blood, for energy. When blood sugar levels dip (hypoglycemia), it can make it challenging to concentrate. The good news? Moderate dips in blood sugar don’t seem to cause lasting brain damage.
2. Emotional Instability
Hypoglycemia can also affect your mood and behavior. You might experience sudden mood swings or emotional outbursts that aren’t characteristic of you. This could include feeling irritable, stubborn, or even depressed.
3. Restless Nights
Did you know that low blood sugar at night, also called nocturnal hypoglycemia, is quite common? It’s responsible for nearly half of all hypoglycemia episodes! This can disrupt your sleep in several ways, causing night sweats, bad dreams, sudden awakenings with crying and leaving you feeling restless and confused in the morning. A bedtime snack can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of these sleep disturbances. Ideally, aim for a blood sugar reading between 90 and 150 mg/dL before bed. This will help ensure a restful night’s sleep and leave you feeling refreshed in the morning.
4. Ravenous Hunger
If you ever experience sudden, intense hunger coming out of nowhere, this could be your body’s way of telling you your blood sugar levels are dropping. To manage blood sugar effectively, understanding carbohydrates is key. Different types of carbs and the foods they come from affect your blood sugar in various ways. The ideal amount of carbs for you is unique and depends on several factors. It is best to ask a dietitian who can help you determine the perfect carb intake to keep your blood sugar stable and avoid sudden hunger.
5. Feelings of anxiety
When your body senses low glucose levels, it releases hormones like epinephrine (adrenaline) and cortisol. These hormones act as messengers, instructing the liver to pump more sugar into the bloodstream. This surge in sugar can trigger anxiety symptoms like shakiness, sweating, and a racing heart.
6. Shakes and Tremors
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can trigger shakiness. This happens because your body releases hormones to increase blood sugar, which can cause your muscles to tense and relax rapidly, resulting in shakiness.
7. Sweating
Sweating is a common early warning sign of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. This happens because when your blood sugar levels drop, your body releases a surge of adrenaline. Adrenaline prepares your body for action, and one of its effects is increased sweating. Up to 84% of people with diabetes experience sweating during hypoglycemic episodes.
8. Lightheadedness, Dizziness & Headache
Lightheadedness is a common symptom of hypoglycemia, which occurs when your blood sugar levels dip too low. During hypoglycemia, your brain struggles to get the energy it needs. To compensate, it takes steps to conserve energy, which can lead to feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness.
9. Blurred vision
A sudden dip in blood sugar can sometimes cause temporary vision problems. Blurred vision is the most frequent symptom, but others may experience dimmed vision or even see black spots.
10. Problems speaking clearly (slurring words)
A lack of sugar in your bloodstream can affect your speech. When blood sugar falls below 40 mg/dL, slurred speech is a common symptom. This is because your brain relies heavily on glucose (sugar) for energy, and low levels can impair its function, including controlling your muscles for clear speech.
Here are some ways to prevent hypoglycemia:
- Raise your sugar levels with carbohydrates
- Eating meals and snacks regularly after consuming diabetes medication
- Reduce your medication (consult your doctor)
- Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels (especially during periods of low value)
- Taking medication on time and as directed
- Recognize the signs and symptoms
- Eating a balanced diet
In conclusion, with a little planning and these key practices – consistent meals and snacks, regular blood sugar monitoring, a balanced diet, and potentially incorporating supplements – you can enjoy better blood sugar management and reduce the chances of experiencing hypoglycemia. In addition to dietary changes, consider a natural approach to blood sugar regulation with Bloc Suga Plus from Byherbs. This supplement can help you manage your cravings and support healthy blood sugar levels.