In order to function properly, the cells in your body need fuel, and your body’s cells get this fuel, along with other necessary substances like oxygen, from your bloodstream. The most common form of energy that your body uses is a simple carbohydrate called glucose. Glucose is especially needed by your brain and muscles.
Glucose comes from the food you eat. Any glucose that isn’t used is stored in your liver, or converted by your body into fat. Your body can break down this fat or release this stored glucose for later use, while your liver can also make glucose. In this way, your body can always have glucose available even if you skip meals or are eating less.
Substances called hormones control the way your body makes, stores, and releases glucose. They keep the level of glucose in your blood constant, making sure that your glucose level isn’t high enough to cause any harmful conditions while still being enough to meet your body’s needs. One of these hormones is called insulin, which helps your cells take glucose from your blood, thus, lowering your blood glucose level. Another hormone, called glucagon, raises your blood sugar level if it is too low by signalling your liver to release stored glucose.
Normally, this system of hormones works very well to keep your blood glucose level just right. However, when you have diabetes, there is something wrong with the insulin in your body. With this condition, either your body does not produce enough insulin or the insulin in your body does not work as it should. This leads to high blood glucose levels and your cells being unable to take up the glucose and use it for fuel.
Diabetes may be treated by adding more insulin to your body through injections. Another treatment is medication that lowers your blood glucose levels (known as oral hypoglycemic agents, or OHAs). Sometimes, however, these treatments may cause your blood glucose to become too low, leading to hypoglycemia.
In men, hypoglycemia is defined as having a blood glucose level of less than 50 milligrams (mg) per deciliter (dl). In women, having a blood glucose level less than 45mg/dl is considered hypoglycemia. Infants and children may get hypoglycemia as well, and for younger patients this means having a blood glucose level less than 40 mg/dl.
What are the causes of hypoglycemia?
Injecting too much insulin or overdosing on OHAs are common causes of diabetic hypoglycemia. However, you may suffer from low blood sugar even if you are taking your medication as prescribed. If you skip meals or exercise more than usual, hypoglycemia may occur.
Infections may also cause hypoglycemia, even in people without diabetes. However, people with diabetes are more severely affected. This is because during an infection, your body’s cells need more glucose than usual, and they take up more glucose from your blood. Medications that lower your blood glucose level further add to the problem.
Drinking too much alcohol is another cause of hypoglycemia in healthy people as well as people with diabetes. Eating too little may also cause your blood glucose level to drop below normal.
Medications other than those used to treat diabetes may cause hypoglycemia as well. Other drugs that have been linked to hypoglycemia are:
- antibiotics
- antidepressants (e.g. Prozac)
- drugs used to treat high blood pressure
- anti-cancer drugs
- lithium
What are the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia may have visible signs and symptoms even with a blood glucose level of 60-70 mg/dl. At first, you may have the following:
- headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness
- sweating (usually cold, clammy sweats)
- feeling hungry
- feeling anxious or panicked
- feeling weak or shaky
- having a fast heartbeat
If your blood glucose level continues to get lower, your brain may be affected. You may have the following symptoms:
- difficulty concentrating, focusing on tasks, or thinking
- confusion
- seizures
If hypoglycemia is left untreated you may go into a coma. In extreme cases, death may result.
How is hypoglycemia treated?
If you have any symptoms of hypoglycemia, you should act right away by taking in food or drink that can quickly raise your blood glucose level, such as:
- a glass of fruit juice
- regular soda (not diet, since diet soda contains no sugar)
- icing or frosting
- glucose tablets or glucose gel
- hard candy
Check your blood glucose level after 15 minutes. It should be 70mg/dl or higher. If your blood glucose level does not go up, take more of the above foods or drinks and call your doctor. If your symptoms continue, or if you start feeling confused or have difficulty concentrating, seek medical attention immediately.
If you need to be treated in the hospital, you will be given fluid and medication to raise your blood glucose level. You may need to have blood tests done. Your doctor may also run other tests to see if you have any infection or other conditions that may cause hypoglycemia.
What can I do to prevent hypoglycemia?
If you have diabetes, it is important to always take your medication as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip meals and do not suddenly decrease your food intake. Since exercise is always good for people with diabetes, make sure you eat enough food so that you have enough energy for exercise.
Check your blood glucose levels as often as your doctor recommends. To make sure that you are getting the right kind and amount of medication, pay regular visits with your doctor.
Know the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. Educate your family and friends about hypoglycemia as well. Remember that hypoglycemia can be a life-threatening condition, but it can be easily prevented. If it does occur, being prepared and educated will increase the chances of being treated well before you suffer from any serious effects.