Hypoglycemia is a medical condition in which the level of sugar in the blood becomes too low to sustain the normal activities of the body. The symptoms of hypoglycemia can be severe and even life threatening and if you are diabetic it is wise to know how to recognize them. True symptoms of hypoglycemia usually occur in Type 1 or Type 2 diabetics.
Our bodies usually have about 60 mg to 120 mg of glucose contained in each deciliter of blood. This varies depending on when the person last ate a meal. When a person skips a meal or has fasted for several hours the blood sugar can fall below 60 mg/dl or even as low as 50 mg/dl. However, such blood sugar levels do not necessarily indicate illness or disease and a meal or snack will undoubtedly address the feelings associated with the drop in glucose levels.
People who take insulin (all Type 1 and some Type 2 diabetics) are at risk for true hypoglycemia. Type 2 diabetics who take sulfonylurea are also at risk for attacks of low blood sugar.
In a diabetic person the symptoms of hypoglycemia might occur if:
* The person takes too much medicine.
* Misses or delays a meal.
* Eats an insufficient amount of food relative to the amount of insulin he has taken.
* Exercises too intensely.
* Drinks too much alcohol.
