The University of Maryland Medical Center describes low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, as the production of too much insulin by the pancreas, glucose being discharged too slowly into the blood or blood sugar being used up too quickly. Middle-aged females should be aware that hypoglycemia is common with diabetes, although it can be caused by a pancreatic tumor, ingestion of alcohol or liver disease. Symptoms vary from mild to severe.
Mild Hypoglycemia
The American Diabetes Association lists numerous symptoms for hypoglycemia. Treatment can be relatively easy with some form of sugar in the amount of 15 to 20 grams. They suggest half a glass of fruit juice or soda, a tablespoon of honey or corn syrup or four or five saltine crackers. Women should be aware of dizziness, hunger, shakiness, headache, tingling sensations around the mouth, sweating and paleness. The University of Mississippi Medical Center cautions not to eat too much as it could cause a spike in blood glucose.
Moderate Hypoglycemia
The University of Mississippi Medical Center describes moderate symptoms of low blood sugar to include slow or slurred speech, personality change, difficulty in concentrating, confusion, feeling irritable and lack of coordination. It advises that these symptoms need immediate medical intervention and, if left unchecked, will become worse. If diabetic, women who cannot identify the immediate cause of the drop in blood sugar, such as a missed meal or snack or not eating enough food, may require an adjustment in medication.
Severe Hypoglycemia
University of Mississippi Medical Center warns that if treatment is not sought, severe hypoglycemia will occur. Symptoms include unconsciousness, seizures and possibly death. Women, as well as men, may experience hypoglycemic unawareness, where there is an inability to feel the symptoms of low blood sugar causing severe hypoclycemia to occur without warning. This usually happens in long-term diabetics.
