Having low blood sugar can occur in persons that have diabetes or other conditions that affect the levels of blood sugar in the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is when a person's blood sugar level is abnormally low. Hypoglycemia can be a scary experience, and needs to be treated promptly with food, unless the symptoms are severe.
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia
Persons that have low blood sugar often report that they are feeling shaky or dizzy. They might be sweaty, feel confused or feel weak. Some persons who have low blood sugar have mood swings or act irritable. In children, hypoglycemia might present as a behavioral issue, therefore it is important to know if a child is prone to hypoglycemia.
Complications of Hypoglycemia
If hypoglycemia goes untreated, the person can have severe complications. According to the Mayo Clinic, these include seizures, loss of consciousness or death. When hypoglycemic symptoms become severe, it is important to call for emergency medical attentions since consequences of this condition can be severe.
Reasons for Hypoglycemia
When a person is diabetic and on medications which might include oral medications or insulin, there is a risk for hypoglycemia. There are other conditions such as liver problems, tumors of the pancreas, or other endocrine issues that can result in a higher level of insulin in the body which causes the blood sugars to drop abnormally. Conditions like anorexia nervosa, where a person does not eat properly can also result in a hypoglycemic reaction.
Food for Low Blood Sugar
When a person has low blood sugar, or has symptoms of low blood sugar, they should be treated with 15 g of carbohydrates. Fifteen grams of carbohydrate includes 4 oz. of juice or soda or 4 tsp. of sugar according to the American Diabetes Association. You can also take four crackers or 1 tbsp. of honey. It is important for the person to have their blood sugar checked 15 minutes after being treated in order to make sure that the hypoglycemia is resolved. In any case, it is a good idea for the person to have a good meal within their dietary restrictions after being treated to ensure that their blood sugar does not drop again.
The Importance of Identification
It is important to identify whether a person is having low blood sugar, especially if they have diabetes. This is done through testing a person's blood sugar with a glucometer. The glucometer is a machine that tests blood sugar after inseting a sample of blood from the person's finger. Symptoms of low blood sugar can be symptoms of other health conditions, therefore it is important to identify the problem and seek necessary medical attention if the problem cannot be identified.
