Hypoglycemia, also called low blood sugar, occurs when blood sugar levels fall too low. When levels drop below 70 mg/dL of blood, it can result in harmful effects. The body's glucose, or sugar, has been used up too quickly or released into the bloodstream too slowly. Too much insulin in the bloodstream also causes low blood sugar. Diabetics often have problems with hypoglycemia, but the disorder also affects people without diabetes.
Effects
Taking too much diabetes medicine or insulin, not eating enough food and increasing exercise without increasing the amount of food eaten can cause low blood sugar. Causes for people without diabetes are not entirely known. Drinking alcoholic beverages, liver disease and conditions in the pancreas that produce too much insulin may cause low blood sugar. Symptoms include hunger, nervousness, trembling, tingling or numbness of the skin, weakness, fatigue, blurry vision, dizziness or fainting. Memory loss, decreased alertness and hallucinations can occur.
Immediate Action
When symptoms arise, blood sugar levels can quickly normalize by drinking fruit juice, non-diet soda or a cup of milk. Several hard candies also work. A tablespoon of sugar, honey or syrup relieves symptoms. Glucose tablets, if available, help control blood sugar levels. MedlinePlus recommends not eating too much during the episodes and waiting about 15 minutes before eating again. Severe symptoms can be treated with glucose injections or hormones to avoid serious complications. Untreated hypoglycemia can lead to unconsciousness or coma.
Prevention
Knowing that low blood sugar symptoms can occur helps people with preventive methods as a form of treatment. Having snacks on hand, such as crackers with peanut butter or cheese, or half a turkey or ham sandwich, can provide relief. Diabetics who suffer from low blood sugar several times a week should contact their doctors to change their treatment plans with different medications or dietary changes, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Diabetics should recheck blood glucose levels regularly and 15 minutes after having low blood sugar symptoms.
Activity
Exercise plays an important role in diabetic care. Physical activity, however, can lower blood sugar levels, especially when sudden changes in exercise take place without eating more healthy food. Having snacks before exercise or when glucose levels are below 100 mg/dL helps prevent hypoglycemic attacks.
Considerations
Non-diabetics who have low blood sugar episodes may experience them within four hours following a meal. Low blood sugar can also be the result of an underlying condition, which a doctor can discover through examination. Doctors may recommend eating small meals and snacks about every three hours. The diet may consist of a variety of foods, including meat, poultry, fish or other sources of protein. Whole-grain bread or rice, potatoes, fruits, vegetables and dairy products usually become a part of the diet. Doctors often advise eating high-fiber foods and avoiding sugary foods. Diabetics and non-diabetics work with doctors or dietitians to devise healthy eating plans that prevent low blood sugar episodes.
