1. It Is Often Mistaken for Other Conditions
Binge drinking, stress, sleep deprivation and too much caffeine are all associated with teenagers as they balance school work and other activities, but the daily stresses have another thing in common too--they produce symptoms that may look like hypoglycemia. Not all doctors recognize all types of hypoglycemia, possibly because it resembles effects caused by these everyday activities. Too little sleep, too much caffeine and stress all produce the familiar symptoms of fatigue and anxiety associated with hypoglycemia.
2. A Diabetes Drug Can Cause It
If your teen is diabetic, make sure he or she is properly administering medication. The most common cause of hypoglycemia is due to problems associated with injecting insulin. Insulin helps cells absorb excess sugar in the blood in order to convert it to energy. Excess insulin could mean the cells are absorbing too much glucose in the blood, which could lead to hypoglycemia. Make sure the insulin dosage is correct and it hasn't expired. If there is still a problem, talk to your doctor.
3. It Is Usually a Part of Another Condition
Hypoglycemia is most commonly associated with diabetes, but there are other illnesses that cause the condition. Ten percent of teens have an eating disorder and hypoglycemia can be an indicator of anorexia, but it is rare. Low blood sugar may also be indicative of a rare tumor in the beta cells of the pancreas, which release insulin. Other tumors that feed on glucose may also cause similar symptoms. And excessive drinking on an empty stomach can induce hypoglycemia in teens.
4. Symtoms Cover a Vast Range
Dizziness, sweating and anxiety are just some of the symptoms commonly associated with hypoglycemia. But there are more serious symptoms like depression, seizure and coma that can result if the condition is not taken seriously and treated. Low blood sugar can be reversed with a proper diet and monitoring, so it's important to talk to your teens about the illness and how to cope with it. If they start to feel the benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, they may be more likely to keep it up to avoid the dangerous symptoms.
5. Teach a Healthy Lifestyle Early
Obesity-related illnesses are on the rise in the U.S, but you can stop your teen from becoming another statistic. Teaching teens good habits early can help ward off painful symptoms of hypoglycemia and diabetes now and later in life. Diets rich in protein, whole grains, and vegetables help maintain blood sugar levels. Throw out foods with refined sugar, hydrogenated oil and caffeine, which can reek havoc on blood sugar and leave your teen susceptible to a hypoglycemic attack.
