Glucose is the body’s main source of energy. Considering its vital role, it will give rise to bothersome symptoms when it drops below its normal range. Therefore, if identified early, hypoglycemia can be managed by lifestyle changes. However, if left too late, it can become a life-threatening crisis.
Hypoglycemia is a lifelong condition; you can manage its symptoms by following a proper diet and exercise program.
Understanding Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar or low blood sugar occurs when blood glucose levels get too low, dangerously below 70 mg/dl. Severe hypoglycemia can lead to loss of consciousness, seizures, coma and even death.
Some of the causes of this (which are easy to change) include irregular eating habits or long intervals between meals, a rigorous exercise regimen, alcohol, or too little food intake. However, many times hypoglycemia can occur even in the absence of these lifestyle habits.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia
It can be difficult to predict the condition of hypoglycemia, as the signs and symptoms vary from mild to severe, depending on the individual’s medical condition. Here are some common symptoms of low blood sugar,
- Sweat
- I’m hungry
- Dizziness or fainting
- Fatigue
- Headache or dizziness
- Blurry vision
- Increased heart rate
- Seizure
- Tingling or numbness in the tongue, cheeks or lips
- Loss of concentration
- Lack of coordination
Low blood sugar: potential reasons
When one has diabetes, there are various triggers present that induce hypoglycemia. Therefore, it is essential to know the reasons to know if you have a dangerously low glucose level.
- Consuming fewer carbohydrates, the main source of energy, can lead to lower blood sugar levels.
- Like low carbs, skipping meals also causes you to lack energy, inducing hypoglycemia.
- Performing intense exercise at higher than normal levels, especially when you haven’t consumed enough carbohydrates, can stimulate a hypoglycemic episode.
- Excessive alcohol consumption can also interfere with the function of insulin in regulating blood sugar levels.
- If you take too much insulin than the level prescribed by a healthcare professional, it will lead to dangerously low glucose levels.
Ways to deal with dangerously low blood sugar
Blood sugar control is crucial for people with diabetes, as it can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetic complications in the future.
Here are some tips for dealing with dangerously low blood sugar.
The 15-15 rule
In the event of hypoglycemia, patients should follow the 15-15 rule. It is an effective method to implement when your blood sugar is between 55 and 69 mg/dl. The process is simple: consume 15 grams of easily absorbed carbohydrates and check your blood sugar in 15 minutes.
For example, taking glucose tablets or fruit juice during the episode is the best step to instantly raise and stabilize blood sugar levels. Once it reaches the normal range, you can opt for small healthy snacks to prevent the fall from happening again.
Regular blood sugar monitoring
You should record your readings at least three times a day alongside your meals. Additionally, maintaining a continuous blood glucose monitor will benefit the process and improve diabetes control.
stay active
Performing moderate exercise or a simple walk after a high carbohydrate meal will help prevent the onset of low blood sugar.
Eat a balanced diet
A balanced and nutritious diet is essential for people with low blood pressure. When, how much and what you eat are critical to your blood sugar levels. Consume small meals every 3 to 4 hours. Simply put, make a plan with low carbs, high fiber, lean protein, and healthy fats to improve overall glucose levels, thereby reducing the unintended drop.
A few things to remember when planning your meals
- Consume complex carbs and avoid simple carbs
- Be sure to follow a healthy plating method with lean protein, highly soluble fiber, complex carbs, and good fats.
- Reduce processed foods and refined sugars
- Eat foods with a low glycemic index
Can hypoglycemia be life-threatening?
Low blood pressure isn’t too much of a concern if it doesn’t drop to a dangerously low level, showing visible symptoms. According to American Heart Association, the worrying level of low blood pressure is 50/30. In such circumstances, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
The condition can lead to other serious complications if left untreated by reducing brain function. This can lead to seizures and interfere with essential body functions, ultimately leading to death.
You should speak to a nutritionist if you are diagnosed with this condition. Innovations such as a continuous blood glucose monitor (CGM) have revolutionized health management.
A CGM can alert the individual when their blood sugar becomes dangerously low, paving the way for appropriate preventative action. The HealthifyPRO 2.0 comes with powerful tools like a CGM, metabolic panel, smart scale, AI-based technology, and personalized nutrition guidance from trainers.
Note from The Fitness Freak
The key to improving hypoglycemia in an emergency is to eat certain carbohydrate-rich foods, including fruit juice, fruit, or cookies. Such dietary interventions can help restore your blood sugar levels, ensuring a healthy range and preventing a drop.
Conclusion
Most people think diabetes is linked to high blood sugar, but it’s also about low sugar. Additionally, serious illnesses, hormonal deficiencies, and sometimes even medications can cause hypoglycemia without diabetes.
Although it is generally a lifelong disease, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine while Regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels is crucial to avoiding episodes of hypoglycemia and staying holistically healthy..
