Low blood sugar, also called hypoglycemia, is a condition that occurs when the amount of sugar in a patient's blood is lower than normal. Blood sugar levels less than 70 mg/dL are considered to be dangerously low and may cause damage to the patient's tissues, reports MedlinePlus, a National Institutes of Health website. Hypoglycemia can cause a variety of long-term effects or complications.
Seizures
Seizures are uncontrollable disruptions in the central nervous system that can cause violent involuntary contractions of the muscles. Low blood sugar levels can cause permanent damage to the nervous system, resulting in the development of chronic seizure conditions, according to MayoClinic.com. Patients may need lifelong anti-seizure medication to keep seizure activity under control.
Deficiencies in Neurodevelopment
Newborn babies, or neonates, who suffer from recurrent episodes of low blood sugar levels can develop deficiencies in neurodevelopment, states an article in the April 1999 issue of the "Journal of Pediatrics." Neurodevelopment pertains to the growth and maturation of the brain and other aspects of the nervous system. Neonates, especially premature babies, who have been affected by hypoglycemia, may have reduced head circumferences and score lower on psychometric tests. These effects can last up to five years after birth. Even mild to moderate cases of hypoglycemia in neonates should be treated promptly to avoid these long-term complications.
Coma
Coma, or chronic loss of consciousness, may be a long-term effect of hypoglycemia, according to MedlinePlus. Hypoglycemia that results in coma is commonly called insulin shock. Without adequate levels of blood sugar, the brain is unable to obtain enough energy to function. Decreased brain function over a long period of time typically results in coma. Patients in a coma are unresponsive to external stimuli and may need assistance breathing and ingesting nutrients. Comas may last between a few hours to several months. Treating the hypoglycemic disorder usually brings the patient back to a conscious state.
Death
Without sugar, or glucose, the body is unable to function. Glucose provides much of the energy the body needs to survive. As blood sugar levels fall, multiple organs, especially the brain, begin to fail, warns MayoClinic.com. If left untreated, this condition may lead to death. Patients must recognize the early signs of hypoglycemia in order to avoid this dreaded outcome.
