Low blood sugar is commonly associated with diabetics who have administered an overmedication of insulin, resulting in a condition called hypoglycemia. However, this is not the most common cause – in fact, most cases are seen in non-diabetic individuals.
Triggers for glucose lows frequently include use of beta blockers, alcohol consumption, and missed meals. While there are other conditions and diseases that can cause this condition, many healthcare providers have similar plans when it comes to low blood sugar treatment and prevention. You can see more about the causes of low blood sugar here.
Who is at Risk?
The risk for developing hypoglycemia varies among individuals, but it is generally seen in individuals with type 1 diabetes (due to their inability to produce and dependence on insulin), women, those over 60 years of age. Also, symptoms of low blood sugar levels can appear during sleep, causing individuals to wake up disoriented, disturbed from nightmares and experiencing severe night sweats.
Preventing Low Blood Sugar
Abnormally low glucose levels (under the range of 70 ml/dL), can be caused by a variety of factors. However, the most common cause is related to an individual’s diet. Skipping snacks, delaying meals and eating smaller than recommended proportions all cause low blood sugar in teens and adults. The result of a mismanaged diet can trigger mild hypoglycemia, which can be easily corrected by eating a snack of fruits, vegetables and/or whole grains. Here is a bit more on the low blood sugar diet.
Other causes of low glucose levels are:
- Excessive exercise
- Consuming too much alcohol
- Some beta blockers
- Hormone fluctuations in women
See this post for more on low blood sugar in women.
Creating the Best Treatment Plan for You
Low blood sugar treatment can be done safely at home when an individual is experiencing mild symptoms.
Hunger, fatigue, irritability, shakiness and sudden agitation are some of the most common warning signs. In this case, eating a well balanced snack or meal is the best solution – and should reverse symptoms fairly quickly. However, do not ingest sweets (simple sugars) when experiencing hypoglycemia. Even though these foods will quickly raise glucose levels, they will also cause a sudden low or reactive hypoglycemia.
Individuals who have disorders associated with low blood sugar, or who experience this condition on a routine basis should implement a meal plan. This can not only help improve a person’s overall diet, but will teach the importance of balance and eating scheduled meals, and help the body regulate normal glucose levels throughout the day.
Individuals with moderate hypoglycemia should seek medical attention to prevent a further drop in blood sugar levels. Self-treatment should not be performed unless a plan has been discussed and approved by a healthcare provider. Untreated low blood sugar levels can cause permanent damage and cause life threatening conditions once it begins to progress into the severe stages.
Low blood sugar levels that cause mild symptoms can easily be prevented and treated at home by eating regular meals and a balanced diet. While having a treatment and prevention plan is important, decreased glucose levels experienced on a regular basis should be discussed with a healthcare provider because it may indicate the presence of a serious medical condition or insulin imbalance in diabetics.
This post on checking your own blood sugar levels should help you learn to test your own blood sugar at home, which is much more convienient than heading out to yoru doctor or a local clinic.
