Your body needs to maintain an adequate amount of blood sugar to function properly. Sugar, or glucose, is taken from food and used to produce energy. A balance is required, however. When you do not have enough blood sugar, you may experience symptoms like shakiness and weakness. Heavy exercise and improper eating can trigger episodes of hypoglycemia. If you are a diabetic, you are at a greater risk of experiencing hypoglycemia.
Blood Sugar Basics
The food you eat is metabolized, or broken down, by your digestive system, and glucose is absorbed, making its way into your blood. This sugar is taken from your blood by insulin, a hormone, and given to the cells lining your blood vessels. The excess sugar insulin does not pick up is stored in your liver and muscles in the form of glycogen.
Glycogen is a form of energy; during times of fasting, your body will use it to fuel its cells. Excess sugar is also converted into fat and stored in fat cells, or adipose tissue, which is another source of energy for your body.
Exercise and Energy
When you exercise, you are forcing your body to work harder, which increases your heart rate, your breathing and your circulation. Muscle cells are asked to perform at an accelerated pace, requiring more energy. You will use glucose in your blood as well as stores of glycogen and fat, depending on the length and intensity of your workout. Too much physical activity, particularly if you have not eaten well, can lead to hypoglycemia.
Symptoms
Hypoglycemia can be caused by intense periods of exercise, or just more exercise than you usually perform. Other causes include medications, not eating properly, delaying or skipping meals and alcohol consumption. Low blood sugar manifests differently in each person. You may only have one or two symptoms of hypoglycemia, while someone else may experience more. Early symptoms of hypoglycemia include feeling hungry, dizzy, weak and shaky. You may also experience a headache, nervousness, irritability or sweats. As this low blood sugar state progresses, your vision can become blurry, your personality can change, you can become confused, slur your speech and even faint.
Treatment
Testing your blood sugar is recommended, as treatment depends on your glucose level. A level between 60 and 80 is considered low. If your blood glucose measures below 60, the New York University Medical Center recommends drinking or eating one of the following -- 4 oz. of fruit juice, 4 oz. of regular soda, four packs sugar, six to seven lifesavers or three to four glucose tablets. If your blood sugar is between 60 and 80, consume one item, either an 8-oz. serving of milk, one slice of bread, six saltines or one bread roll. If you are taking the medications Glyset or Precose, however, only glucose tablets or gel will work for you.
