Low Sugar Level: Symptoms, Causes, and How to Manage Hypoglycemia

Managing sugar levels is an important aspect of health management. This is especially true for people struggling with Diabetes. However, low sugar levels are not only limited to diabetic patients. There are various ways in which low sugar levels affect one's health (people with or without Diabetes) that could lead to problems and affect their daily lives as well.

What Does Blood Sugar Mean?

Glucose (sugar) is the primary source of energy one's body needs to function. We get this sugar primarily from carbohydrates in the food and drinks we consume. Once it is processed, the blood carries this glucose to cells of the body to use for energy, and the brain uses it as the primary source of energy to function at optimum levels.

For people without Diabetes, their body naturally takes care of managing blood sugar levels with the help of hormones like Insulin and Glucagon. However, for diabetic people, the reason for low sugar comes from the absence of these hormones. Thus, they are required to consume medications, synthetic insulin, and/or make certain lifestyle changes to keep their blood sugar levels within range.

What is Hypoglycemia (Low Sugar Level)?

Hypoglycemia is a low sugar level in the blood, usually defined as glucose levels falling below 70 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter). This happens due to excess insulin, whether you inject too much insulin or your body produces it naturally. And other metabolic or hormonal issues can also lead to Hypoglycemia. This condition can affect both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals and needs prompt attention to avoid severe complications. A low sugar level range is typically 60-70 mg/dL, with anything below this being potentially dangerous.

How Common Is It?

Hypoglycemia is an extremely common condition for people with Diabetes, especially those who take insulin to manage their blood sugar levels. However, if you are someone who doesn’t have Diabetes, it is quite uncommon for you to have Hypoglycemia, but not entirely impossible.

Low Sugar Level Symptoms

Early detection of a low sugar level can prevent further complications. The symptoms of Hypoglycemia can vary depending on how low the glucose level drops and how quickly it occurs. Common low sugar level symptoms include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Sweating, especially when the weather is not hot
• Shakiness or trembling
• Rapid heartbeat
• Sudden hunger
• Blurred vision
• Confusion or irritability
• Weakness or fatigue
• Anxiety
• Skin becoming pale or colour draining from your skin
• Tingling or numbing sensation in the tongue, cheeks, or lips

If left untreated, a severely low sugar level can lead to seizures, unconsciousness, or even life-threatening conditions. Therefore, recognising the early signs is critical to managing the situation effectively.

When Do Low Sugar Symptoms Appear?

The appearance of low sugar symptoms can differ from person to person for diabetic patients. In general, the symptoms of Hypoglycemia can appear when your blood sugar levels are somewhere around 70 mg/dL or lower. However, if your sugar levels drop rapidly, then these symptoms could also appear a little early.

Also, it is common for chronic Hypoglycemia patients to have their symptoms appear at relatively higher sugar levels. This is because if you have chronic Hypoglycemia, then your body gets used to the higher levels of blood sugar and treats it as normal.

There is also one more instance where diabetic patients with Hypoglycemia do not have any symptoms at all, and this condition is called Hypoglycemia unawareness. This can happen to people who live with chronic low blood sugar levels at all times, and their body stops having symptoms of Hypoglycemia. This an extremely dangerous condition because it can lead to life-threatening levels if left unattended. Thus, if you have Hypoglycemia unawareness, it is important for you to inform your family of your condition so they can keep a check on you, monitor your blood sugar levels more frequently, and, in severe cases, also have a service or Diabetes alert dog.

Common Reasons for Low Sugar Levels

Understanding the reasons for low sugar levels can help individuals take proactive measures to prevent Hypoglycemia. Some common causes include:

Low Sugar Level Treatment

Managing a low sugar level promptly is essential to avoid serious complications. The standard low-sugar treatment approach involves quickly raising blood sugar by consuming fast-acting carbohydrates. Here are some effective treatments:

• Consume Sugary Foods or Drinks: Eating glucose tablets, sugary candy, or fruit juice can rapidly increase blood sugar levels. Around 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates is often recommended.
• Eat a Balanced Meal: Once the blood sugar has returned to normal, it’s essential to follow up with a meal containing protein, fibre, and complex carbohydrates to maintain glucose levels.
• Adjust Medication: If you regularly experience low sugar levels, consult your doctor to adjust your medication or insulin dosage.
• Emergency Treatment: In severe cases where the person is unconscious, Glucagon injections may be necessary to raise blood sugar levels rapidly.

How to Prevent Low Sugar Levels?

Prevention is key when it comes to managing a low sugar level. By following some essential tips, you can keep your blood sugar stable and avoid episodes of Hypoglycemia.

1. Eat Regularly: Eat regular meals that balance carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats to steady your blood sugar.
2. Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: Regularly check your blood sugar to stay aware of fluctuations and adjust your food or medication accordingly.
3. Carry Snacks: Always have fast-acting carbs like glucose tablets or candy on hand in case of a sudden drop in blood sugar.
4. Adjust Physical Activity: If you plan to exercise, consume extra carbohydrates before and after your workout to prevent a low sugar level.
5. Limit Alcohol: Avoid drinking on an empty stomach and drink alcohol in moderation, as it can interfere with blood sugar regulation.

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience frequent or severe low sugar levels, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider. Persistent Hypoglycemia could indicate an underlying health issue, and your treatment plan may need adjustment. Blood tests or adjustments to medication may be necessary to ensure your body maintains an appropriate glucose balance.

Living With Diabetes or Hypoglycemia

Living with Diabetes or Hypoglycemia needs certain lifestyle changes and considerations. If you are someone who is struggling with this issue, here are some tips you can follow to make your life easier:

• Always keep snacks handy. Whether you are at home or travelling somewhere, always make sure to have some healthy snacks with you.
• Educate your family and friends on how to identify the symptoms of Hypoglycemia and how to treat it. There could be instances where you are not in the condition to identify your symptoms or are too delirious to treat yourself. Having people around you who know how to take care of you can be life-saving. 
• Always keep emergency Glucagon at hand and teach people around you how to use it.
• Always keep a medical ID or alert necklace with you so that people can notify the right authority and help you in case of an emergency.

Protect Your Health with Niva Bupa

Living with a chronic condition like Diabetes is not easy. It comes with enough challenges without adding the worry of medical costs to the mix. This is where having the right health insurance policy can make all the difference. At Niva Bupa, we offer comprehensive health insurance plans that cover everything from consultations and medications to cashless hospitalisations and regular health check-ups.

Being one of the best health insurance company in India, your health & well-being is our top-most priority. We are always striving to ensure you are financially protected and get the best care for conditions like Hypoglycemia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How to prevent Hypoglycemia?

   Eating at regular intervals, checking your sugar levels frequently, and keeping an eye out for early symptoms can help prevent Hypoglycemia. 

2. What are some common symptoms of Hypoglycemia?

   Some of the most common symptoms of Hypoglycemia include shakiness, trembling, rapid heartbeat, sudden hunger, blurred vision, confusion, or irritability. 

3. What is the first organ affected by Hypoglycemia?

   Brain is one of the first organs to be affected by Hypoglycemia. Brain uses glucose (sugar) as its primary source of energy and the lack of it can lead to a gradual loss of cognitive functions.