Low blood sugar levels, or hypoglycemia, often develops in diabetic individuals when they take too much insulin or medication in an attempt to control their disease. Alcohol, increased physical activity or not eating enough are other possible causes of hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar is an acute condition, not a chronic one, but it is often linked to the chronic disease diabetes. Other possible causes include endocrine disorders and pancreatic tumors.
Primary Symptoms
One major symptom of low blood sugar is the sudden occurrence of extreme hunger. The person may also notice shakiness or weakness and might begin to sweat profusely. Someone with hypoglycemia might feel lightheaded, confused or dizzy. He might also become nervous or anxious. If his blood sugar levels drop too low, he might go unconscious or have a seizure. Symptoms may vary among individuals, so one person's symptoms may be completely different from another individual with low blood sugar.
Night Symptoms
In some individuals, low blood sugar can develop overnight during sleep, especially in diabetics who take insulin just before going to bed, explains the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Someone who develops hypoglycemia overnight may notice wet sheets from excessive perspiration when they awaken. Upon waking up, the individual may feel irritable, confused or tired. Someone with overnight hypoglycemia may also have nightmares or cry out during sleep.
Considerations
The timing of low blood sugar symptoms varies among individuals. In most people, the first symptoms occur when blood sugar levels drop slightly, causing a surge of adrenaline. Some people, however, have false symptoms, explains KidsHealth.org. In these people, any adrenaline surge brings on the symptoms of low blood sugar, even if their blood glucose levels are high. Other individuals don't have noticeable symptoms until their blood sugar is extremely low, at which point dangerous symptoms develop rapidly.
Response
If someone is experiencing signs of hypoglycemia, she should immediately test her blood sugar levels to ensure that they are above 70 mg/dL. If the glucose level of the blood has dropped below this point or if a blood glucose monitor is unavailable, the individual should ingest a sugary snack such as hard candy, fruit juice or glucose tablets. The person's blood sugar should be monitored every 15 minutes until it is above 70 mg/dL, explains the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. If the person has become unconscious, a glucagon injection may be required to revive her.
Preparation
Individuals who are prone to developing low blood sugar should make an effort to identify their primary symptoms when they experience hypoglycemia and alert friends and family to their particular symptoms. Identifying triggers for low blood glucose can also help people prone to this condition better recognize symptoms as early as possible. Early recognition can help head off the more severe symptoms before blood glucose has dropped too low.
