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.
Common symptoms that indicate a person may be having an episode of hypoglycemia include:
* Weakness, drowsiness and/or confusion
* Hunger
* Dizziness and pallor
* Headache
* Irritability, trembling, sweating
* Rapid heartbeat
* Cold, clammy feeling
* In severe cases, hypoglycemia may cause a person to lose consciousness or even lapse into a coma.
How is Hypoglycemia Treated?
The majority of people who suffer from diabetes are able to recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia and alleviate them by eating or drinking a sugary snack such as candy, juice or a soft drink.
Often, special glucose tablets or gel are taken at the onset of an attack. These can be bought over the counter at a pharmacy. In severe cases, where the affected person fails to prevent or treat an attack they may need to be given a glucagon injection. This should be given by another person and not the sufferer.
Glucagon is a hormone which quickly enters the bloodstream and converts the liver stores of glucose into a usable form thus releasing it into the bloodstream and easing symptoms. If the person fails to respond immediately he or she may be taken to hospital so that blood sugar can be stabilized and the patient observed by a doctor.
It is important to note that individuals who are long-standing diabetics may develop a condition called hypoglycemia unawareness or hypoglycemia that occurs without warning. This means that they don’t show the usual alarm symptoms that indicate a hypoglycemic attack is imminent.
If higher blood sugar levels are maintained for a short period of time (about two weeks) and low blood sugar attacks completely eliminated this condition can be resolved.
Type 1 and 2 diabetics are always at risk of hypoglycemia and proper diet and exercise patterns MUST always be followed. If possible alcohol should be avoided and meals should never be delayed or missed. The amount of insulin taken should always be the correct dosage.
Simple lifestyle measures such as these can prevent an uncomfortable or even dangerous attack. Diabetics should make themselves aware of the early symptoms of hypoglycemia as should family members and friends. This will make it easier to manage should hypoglycemia arise. The symptoms of hypoglycemia need not be a problem if the diabetic condition is properly managed, so take effective measures to ensure your health is protected and consult a doctor if your symptoms are not under effective control.