1. Understand the Early Warning Signs of Hypoglycemia
The baked potato or lasagna that you had for dinner last night can play a significant role in how you feel today. The primary fuel for the brain which plays a role in virtually every aspect of your life, is glucose--and a steady supply of it. When glucose levels in the blood begin to drop, you'll often feel lightheaded, shaky and experience headaches, excessive sweating, irritability and even depression. In worse case scenarios, low glucose levels sustained over extended periods of time can result in marked personality changes, mood swings and even coma.
2. Stay in Touch with Your Physical Being
Even though your body can handle extreme changes in temperature, diet and health, it prefers to keep things on an even keel. Through a series of checks and balances, your body will let you know when things aren't right. For instance, significant drops in your blood glucose levels will usually result in corresponding drops in energy, enthusiasm, temperature regulation and even personality changes. If you feel that you're not your "old self," it could be that you're suffering from hypoglycemia. Try eating something sweet like a few pieces of hard candy, 1/2 cup of fruit juice or commercially prepared glucose tablets. If the feeling persists, contact your physician.
3. Monitor Your Appearance
Your physical appearance is your "mirror of health." Whatever you're feeling inside will often times reflect how you look on the outside. Acute drops in blood sugar typically result in a sallow, "washed out" appearance due to fluctuations in blood pressure, nutrition and emotional health. Furthermore, if you've experienced profuse sweating or diarrhea over a 24-hour period, you could be dehydrated and depleted of important electrolytes that regulate the body's functions. If you're concerned about what you see in the mirror, try drinking more water over the course of the day and eat some simple carbohydrates like hard candy or fruit juice.
4. Pay Attention to Behavior Changes and Mood Swings
In addition to the myriad of physical symptoms underlying hypoglycemia, if your blood sugar is low, you may experience sudden unexplained moodiness, crying, difficulty with paying attention or mental confusion. All of these are the brain and nervous system's way of telling you that it's short of fuel. Long before you feel these emotional symptoms, your body will send out warnings in the form of uncontrolled sweating, hunger, headaches and pale skin color. Pay attention to all of these warnings and contact your physician if you feel like something is out of the ordinary. If left unchecked, they could progress into permanent impairments that include damage to your nerves, blindness and even coma.
5. Depression May Be a Red Flag
While many people are familiar with the physical symptoms of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, they're often surprised to learn that it can also be responsible for a number of emotional and psychological symptoms such as dizziness, mental confusion and depression. Since the brain depends on glucose for proper functioning, it's no surprise that hypoglycemia can be responsible for mood swings and depression. Glucose is also important for proper functioning of the nervous system, so low concentrations may result in tingling in the feet, hands and even the face.
