Hypoglycemia - Low Blood Sugar

What is Hypoglycemia?

Dictionary Rendering: “Abnormally low blood sugar usually resulting from excessive insulin or a poor diet”.

A normal blood sugar glucose reading will register in the range of 70-120 mg/dl.� However when blood sugar levels dip below this average it results in a condition known as hypoglycemia.

The body utilizes sugars and carbohydrates for energy.� Those carbohydrates and sugars that we eat are secreted by the body turned into glucose and put into the bloodstream.� The body then produces insulin which converts glucose into energy.� However if the body secretes too much insulin, this results in the blood sugar levels going lower than normal which is hypoglycemia.

Causes for hypoglycemia�in diabetics can include injecting too much insulin or not eating enough food during a daily diet regimen.� Increased activity in the day can also trigger an episode of hypoglycemia for diabetics.� Diabetics can counter this condition by being mindful with a snack during times of increased activity or recreation.� Also monitoring blood sugar levels during increased activity is a suggested safeguard for those treating themselves with insulin.

Hypoglycemia is a real concern among diabetics during the nighttime period.� At these times blood sugar levels can slip dangerously low while in a sleeping state.� Speak to your doctor about methods of hypoglycemia prevention in the night.

Diabetics are not the only ones that suffer from hypoglycemia.� Hypoglycemia can occur from the use of certain medications, excessive use of alcohol,�other endocrine conditions or�certain kinds of illnesses.

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

These are some of the common effects one will experience when sugar levels dip below normal:

�Tremor / Shaking
�Weakness
�Hunger
�Sweating
�Numbness in hands or tongue
�Anxiety
�Heart palpitations

These are additional symptoms one can experience during severe cases of hypoglycemia:

�Confusion and/or abnormal behavior
�Visual disturbances such as double vision, blurred vision or temporary blindness
�Seizures
�Loss of consciousness

Treatment of Hypoglycemia

The treatment of hypoglycemia needs to be immediate and reactive when detected.� It includes bringing sugar levels back to normal.� While the liver does�release sugar in the bloodstream it is necessary to aid the liver.

The eating and digestion of things like glucose tablets, foods containing sugar or carbohydrates will aid the blood sugar in coming back to a normal range.� Care should be taken by diabetics in not over treating a hypoglycemic episode. Which, if over treated could turn into hyperglycemia. Speak to your health care professional about how to treat a hypoglycemic episode.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE SHOULD THE TREATMENT OF HYPOGLYCEMIA (LOW BLOOD SUGAR) BE WITH THE INJECTION OF INSULIN.

If a nondiabetic suffers from hypoglycemia, finding the underlying cause is a priority so the episode does not return or treatment can be administered.

Article also of interest:
High blood sugar �Hyperglycemia�

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This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.