Blood Sugar Levels
Low blood sugar, also called hypoglycemia, occurs when blood sugar, or glucose, levels fall below normal. This happens when the body uses sugar too quickly, when glucose is released into the bloodstream too slowly, or if too much insulin, the hormone that regulates glucose levels, is released into the bloodstream. Symptoms include weakness, hunger, shakiness and nervousness, sweating, pounding of the heart, dizziness or lightheadedness, anxiety and difficulty speaking. You may have nightmares and night sweats while sleeping. Upon awakening, you might still feel tired, irritable or confused. If not treated, the condition can lead to clumsiness, confusion and fainting. The brain is affected as it is not receiving its necessary dose of energy, the Mayo Clinic explains, resulting in abnormal behavior, visual disturbances such as blurriness or double vision, seizures, loss of consciousness and even death.
Causes
Many of the symptoms of hypoglycemia may indicate other disorders. You will need to have your blood sugar levels tested to confirm a diagnosis of hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar can occur in diabetics if they take too much insulin and diabetes medicine, don't eat enough food or increase physical activity without increasing food intake, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Hypoglycemia may be due to underlying causes such as alcoholic beverages, certain medications, hormonal deficiencies, critical illnesses and insulin-secreting tumors in the pancreas. Liver disease can also cause hypoglycemia. This condition occurs in infants and children when they suffer from other illnesses. Babies can be born with hypoglycemic conditions and the symptoms may be severe if their mothers are diabetic.
Lifestyle Changes
You will have to make some dietary and lifestyle changes to treat the condition. Eating small meals and snacks about every 3 hours is recommended. Although untreated hypoglycemia can lead to serious symptoms, the effects are usually mild and can be easily relieved by eating or drinking carbohydrates, a good dietary source of glucose. Milk, rice, potatoes, whole-grain bread, cereal, fruits and vegetables are usually recommended. Meat, poultry, fish, other sources of protein and foods high in fiber are also suggested for your diet. Some doctors have recommended a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, but the NIH says studies have not proven effectiveness. Sugary foods should be limited or avoided. Regular exercise also helps to improve the condition. You should consult your doctor or a registered dietitian to develop a healthy eating plan for hypoglycemia.
