While most people are concerned about too high of a blood sugar level due to diabetes, you can also have problems if your blood sugar level gets too low. A low blood sugar level is called hypoglycemia. If you do not have enough blood sugar or blood glucose in your blood stream, your body will not have the energy it needs to perform normally. If you recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia, talk to your doctor to correct the situation so you can avoid the dangers of low blood sugar.
Hypoglycemia-Associated Autonomic Failure
Once your blood sugar level drops below 70 mg/dL you may start to feel the effects. Taking a few glucose tablets or consuming a sugary snack or drink should relieve your symptoms and prevent complications. However, in some patients blood sugar levels can start to get low without producing noticeable signs or symptoms. If you are not checking your blood sugar often enough, you may have low levels without knowing it. If this occurs frequently, the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse states that you may develop hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure. If the body is functioning correctly and your blood sugar level goes too low, your body initiates the stress response and releases epinephrine. Epinephrine makes you shake, feel dizzy, sweat and feel hungry to warn you. However, if your levels are chronically low your body may stop responding and not release epinephrine. If you develop hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure you will be unaware when your blood sugar levels are dipping and you may experience some of the complications outlined below.
Unconsciousness
If you do not take steps to raise your blood sugar levels you may faint, lose the ability to coordinate movement, feel confused, develop tingling sensations in various areas of the body, experience seizures and even become unconscious. These are all serious signs that you need medical attention. At this stage you may need a medical professional to inject glycagon which will rapidly raise your blood sugar level.
Coma
Most cases of hypoglycemia occur in those with diabetes. Skipping meals, over exercising, drinking too much alcohol or taking too much insulin can cause your levels to plummet. However, hypoglycemia can also occur during pregnancy, from other medical conditions or as a side effect of a medication you are taking. The National Institutes of Health states that there is a condition called reactive hypoglycemia, in which individuals without diabetes can experience an abnormal drop in blood glucose two to five hours after eating. This condition is rare and can be controlled with diet. However, no matter what the cause of your hypoglycemia, if treatment is not provided when you have a seizure or become unconscious, you may go into a diabetic coma. The good news is that this complication can be avoided by taking care of yourself and any medical conditions that may cause hypoglycemia.
Death
If there is not enough glucose in your blood stream your body's vital organs will not have enough fuel to do their jobs. This includes the brain. Seizures and unconsciousness in hypoglycemia are clear warning signs that you are in trouble. Without proper treatment the American Society for Clinical Investigation warns that brain failure may occur. If you are treated in time, this condition can be reversed and corrected. If it continues for a long period, brain failure can be fatal.
