Low Blood Sugar

When the sugar content in the blood drops below the normal, a person is known to be suffering from low blood sugar. The medical terminology of low blood sugar is hypoglycemia. The most common reason behind this health disorder is inadequate supply of glucose to the brain. This is also one of the side effects observed in a person suffering from diabetes mellitus, being treated with insulin and oral medications. Excessive insulin in body lowers the normal blood sugar range, giving rise to further complications. The subject matter shall be studied in details in the following content.

Symptoms

A person is known to be suffering from hypoglycemia if blood sugar level is below 70 mg/dL. Low blood sugar level is associated with the following symptoms.

• Sweating
• Hunger
• Anxiety
• Nervousness
• Dizziness
• Paleness
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Tremors
• Headache
• Numbness (lips and tongue)
• Palpitations
• Goose bumps
• Confusion (extreme condition)

In Children: Children are also susceptible to low blood sugar. The early symptoms are observed as weakness in body, headache and lack of energy. Sudden mood change followed by pounding heart, cold hands, pale face and shaky body are the other symptoms of hypoglycemia in children. The most common reason behind this is, lack of glucose in diet and skipping meals. Early diagnosis of symptoms along with a healthy diet can normalize the levels of blood glucose in children.

During Pregnancy: Drop in blood sugar is one of the early symptoms of pregnancy that causes vomiting, nausea and weakness in body. Sudden tiredness and frequent hungers are also experienced by women suffering from low blood sugar during pregnancy. If remains undetected, the blood sugar might drop to critical levels causing excessive sweats and blurred vision. This might lead to a seizure or a heart attack. Therefore, any unusual symptoms must be immediately diagnosed by doctors to prevent aggravation of health condition of mother as well as her baby. Early treatment brings back the sugar level to normalcy.

Causes

Mentioned below are the most common causes of blood sugar, ranging from unhealthy lifestyle to disorders in the vital organs of body.

• Inadequate glucose in diet and skipping meals.
• Overdose of insulin in body decreasing the level of hormone glucagon.
• Consumption of excess alcohol and caffeine rich beverages.
• Hormone imbalance (cortisol and epinephrine) in body.
• Malfunctioning of kidney or kidney failure.
• Malfunctioning of liver or liver failure.
• Chemotherapy on existing cancer in body.

Diet

A hypoglycemia diet should be rich in carbohydrates and glucose. Along with this adequate amount of protein and fiber is vital to maintain the glucose level in blood. The diet is mentioned below.

• It should be rich in foods consisting of complex carbohydrates. Example: whole grains, vegetables, pasta, legumes, brown rice, fruit juices, etc.
• It should be devoid of simple carbohydrates. Examples: avoid pizzas, jellies, jams, pies, cookies, candies, pastries, etc.
• It should be high in fiber. Examples: Cauliflower, guava, peas, spinach, mushrooms, spinach, sweet potatoes, etc.
• It should be a high protein diet. Example: eggs, cheese, butter, milk, etc.

Treatment

A blood sugar test can be done at home with the help of a glucometer. Monitoring blood glucose level helps to control blood glucose from further dropping. A proper diet and adequate intake of glucose maintains the normal levels. This is a very beneficial preventive measure. However, the first action should be consulting a doctor to avoid detriment of health. Prescribed medicines for treatment are available over the counter. Patients suffering from diabetes are given hormonal injections. Glucagon injection is one of the most effective treatments for low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia can be completely cured with proper diagnostic treatments.

This is not a condition to worry about unless associated with critical health disorders. The symptoms can be easily detected and early treatments are capable of normalizing the levels of blood glucose in children and adults, alike.