1. Take a Blood Test
The best way to spot the signs of low blood sugar is to take or perform a blood test. Diabetics or those who have impaired glucose tolerance (IGT, a pre-diabetic condition), should be testing their blood regularly using glucose monitoring systems. To test your blood, use the meter according to the directions (some require a finger prick, others simply draw moisture from your skin) and refer to the readout. Blood sugar levels are measures in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). A reading of 90 to 130 mg/dL from a finger prick is considered normal when read before meals, or less than 160 mg/dL about an hour after a meal. Anything under 90 mg/dL or 100 mg/dL should be considered a sign of low blood sugar.
2. Spot Symptoms
There are a variety of symptoms of low blood sugar including tremors and trembling as well as heart palpitations, increased hunger and anxiety. Sweaty, clammy extremities are not uncommon. More serious symptoms of low blood sugar manifest as a result of the diminished presence of glucose in the brain. Such symptoms include confusion, headaches, diminished alertness (sometimes characterized as "drunkenness"), blurry vision and, in extreme cases, coma. If minor symptoms appear, it's a good idea to intake 15 grams of fast-acting sugar such as a tablespoon of honey, some orange juice or a packet of hard candies to help restore normal blood sugar levels.
3. Know the Causes
Low blood sugar is caused by diminished sugar intake as well as by sleeplessness, stress and a lack of a healthy diet and exercise routine. Low blood sugar can also be caused by an erratic diet, one in which a person eats irregularly or not at all. Medications such as beta-blockers can cause low blood sugar, as can an increased intake of alcohol. Extreme causes of hypoglycemia include liver and kidney failure.
