Persistently low blood sugar levels that dip below 45 mg/dL are a sign of a condition called chronic hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, explain health experts with the Cleveland Clinic. Chronic, or long-lasting, hypoglycemia symptoms can vary significantly from person to person. People who develop chronic hypoglycemia symptoms should consult a physician for further evaluation.
Weakness or Fatigue
Hypoglycemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough sugar within the blood. Consequently, the body's cells, organs and tissues do not receive the energy they need to function normally. People with chronic hypoglycemia can appear abnormally weak or drowsy due to these low energy levels, explain medical professionals with KidsHealth. Affected people can have difficulty remaining focused or attentive while at work or school or may need to take frequent naps during the day to stay energized.
Dizziness or Confusion
In people with chronic hypoglycemia, the brain does not receive the sugar it needs to function normally. When this occurs, people with low blood sugar can experience frequent episodes of dizziness or lightheadedness, explains the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Additionally, affected people can appear abnormally confused or disoriented and can have difficulty following simple instructions or completing normal daily tasks. People with severely low blood sugar can faint or lose consciousness and may slip into a coma. Anyone who loses consciousness should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.
Increased Hunger or Shakiness
When the body lacks the sugar it needs to support the body it signals a hunger response. As a result, people with chronically low blood sugar levels can experience frequent hunger sensations or pains, report KidsHealth medical professionals. Affected people may need to eat frequently throughout the day in between meals or may be hungry soon after eating a meal. Chronic hypoglycemia can also cause shakiness or involuntary tremors in affected people.
Blurred Vison
Vision alterations can occur as a symptom of chronic hypoglycemia, according to MayoClinic.com. Affected people can experience blurred or double vision, which can exacerbate dizziness symptoms. Additionally, blurred vision can cause certain people to appear unsteady while standing or walking about.
Sweating or Skin Discoloration
People with chronic hypoglycemia can exhibit abnormally moist, cool skin that appears pale or gray in color, reports KidsHealth. These symptoms typically occur in conjunction with dizziness, confusion, headache or extreme hunger.
Irritability or Crankiness
Persistently low blood sugar levels can contribute to mood related changes in people with chronic hypoglycemia. Certain people--especially children--can appear unusually irritable or cranky when their bodies do not have enough sugar, according to KidsHealth.
