Hypoglycemic Sweating

Sweating caused by hypoglycemia is a signal from your body that your blood glucose levels have become unstable. Besides being uncomfortable, these symptoms are a warning to avoid the more serious effects of low blood sugar. It can be caused by diabetes as well as other non-related causes. Some individuals may be reactive hypoglycemic, meaning they are more sensitive to changes in blood sugar. (Ref. #1)

About Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia describes a condition in which blood sugar levels fall below normal. It can occur in both diabetics and non-diabetics. In diabetics, it can be caused by improper dosing of medications. Your blood sugar may also drop if you haven't eaten for several hours or have depleted your available sugar reserves through strenuous exercise. It can cause profuse sweating, dizziness and weakness. Left untreated, hypoglycemia can progress to more serious health consequences such as headache, seizures and loss of consciousness.

Treating Hypoglycemia

Prompt treatment is essential. Your uncomfortable physical state will likely increase other symptoms such as anxiety and confusion. The treatment goal is to restore normal blood sugar levels. Sugar provides a vital source of energy that is required by all cells. This effects helps explain the wide range of symptoms from sweating to headache. You can drink fruit juice or regular soft drinks for prompt release of glucose into your bloodstream. You may find cooling yourself swiftly by sitting in a shaded area or in an air-conditioned room will halt your hypoglycemic sweating and make you more comfortable.

Glycemic Index

What you eat may play a role in trigger the sweating symptoms associated with hypoglycemia. The glycemic index measures how quickly sugar is released into your bloodstream. The higher the number, the quicker sugar is released. Some foods such as white bread and cornflakes have a high GI. Eating these foods on an empty stomach could cause your blood sugar to spike and then drop quickly, leading to your symptoms. A 2011 study by the Northside Nutrition and Dietetics in Australia recommends a diet with low GI foods to control blood sugar. In addition, the American Diabetes Association recommends that diabetics keep their daily carbohydrate intake below 130 g per day.

Prevention

Prevention can help you avoid the unpleasantness of hypoglycemic symptoms. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse recommends eating small meals every three hours to help you maintain stable blood sugar levels. You may also want to plan on a small snack before vigorous exercise. Try keeping a journal of hypoglycemic events so you can know what circumstances are likely to bring on hypoglycemic sweating. Whether or not you are diabetic, consult your doctor for further information regarding treatment options and other lifestyle changes you can make for your condition.