A low blood glucose level, or hypoglycemia, occurs when your blood sugar drops below normal and can be a concern in people with diabetes. When blood glucose levels decrease, the body typically uses stored glucose or fat to provide energy; however, in some people with diabetes, the body does not respond normally to lower glucose levels. The presence of medical insulin or oral anti-diabetic medications also can make it difficult for the glucose levels to return to normal levels. Having more insulin than you need in your body also can lead to low blood glucose levels. Hypoglycemia symptoms can occur rapidly and the condition can be life-threatening.
Brain Effects
Glucose is vital for normal brain functioning, so when glucose levels become low, the brain can experience serious consequences. You might notice confusion, behavioral changes, difficulty concentrating and blurred or double vision, according to MayoClinic.com. Low blood glucose levels also can cause more dangerous complications like seizures or coma, as noted by NetDoctor.co.uk. For most people, there are warning signs, but for others, seizures or unconsciousness occurs suddenly. For people with diabetes who are prone to episodes of hypoglycemia, more frequent blood glucose measurements and perhaps maintaining a slightly higher level of blood glucose might help prevent these episodes.
Adrenaline Effects
Other symptoms of low blood sugar levels caused by excess insulin are rapid heartbeat, sweating, tremor and pallor. When the low blood glucose level is detected, the body responds by releasing the hormone adrenaline, which can help release stored glucose from the body, according to KidsHealth.org. Rapid heartbeat, tremor, sweating and pallor are all signs of adrenaline entering the bloodstream.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
During an episode of hypoglycemia, you might experience hunger, as noted by the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. The body reacts to low glucose levels by increasing the urge to eat because eating will increase the amount of glucose in the blood. This hunger can be complicated by the presence of nausea that also might be associated with low blood sugar levels, according to the University of Washington School of Medicine.
Sleep Signs
Low blood sugar can occur during sleep as well, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Signs of hypoglycemia during sleep include waking up to sweaty and damp bedclothes or pajamas, having nightmares or feeling confused or irritable when you wake up. This situation could be a serious problem because you could miss the opportunity to manage your blood sugar since you are asleep, as noted by NetDoctor.co.uk. If low blood sugar at night is a common issue, you might need to start checking your blood sugar during this time.
