For those with diabetes, managing blood sugar levels is a difficult task, while hyperglycemia is very common, many also experience episodes of dangerously low blood sugar levels, when glucose is below the standard range.
glucose, second healthlineIt is, according to doctors, the main source of energy in the body and is vital for diabetic patients as both the highs and lows can be overwhelming and the balance must be maintained.
If caught early, low blood sugar becomes very easy to manage with lifestyle changes. lack of sugar in the blood it is a lifetime requirement; You can manage its symptoms by following a proper diet and exercise pattern.
How much blood sugar is considered normal?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hypoglycemia occurs when the blood glucose level is below 70 mg/dL. It can lead to unconsciousness, seizures, coma and even death.
Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar
According to the Mayo Clinic, common signs of low blood sugar include the following:
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Copious sweating
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Feeling very hungry
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Feeling dizzy and faint
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Fatigue and extreme tiredness
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Chronic headache
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Blurry vision
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Convulsions, mild and strong
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Numbness and tingling in hands, lips, arms, legs and toes
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Inability to concentrate
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Poor body coordination
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Worry
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shortness of breath
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Irregular and rapid heartbeat
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look pale
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Getting nightmares while sleeping
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Unconsciousness
What causes hypoglycemia?
He says Health line Hypoglycemia or blood sugar levels usually drop to extremely low levels for the following reasons:
Organization:
A pancreatic hormone known as glucagon signals the liver to break down stored glycogen and release glucose into the bloodstream. It keeps your blood sugar within the standard range as it should be. However, if you have diabetes and don’t eat for a long time, your blood sugar levels drop when your body stops producing insulin. With prolonged and continuous fasting, the body can break down fat stores and use fat breakdown products as an alternative fuel.
pharmaceutical:
Doctors say taking drugs like kalaquin, used to treat malaria, can cause hypoglycemia. Also, people who do not have diabetes, if they take medicines to control blood sugar levels, can suffer from this condition.
Drinking too much alcohol:
Drinking on an empty stomach severely prevents the liver from releasing glucose from glycogen stores into the bloodstream, resulting in hypoglycemia.
Suffering from other serious illnesses:
Those suffering from other serious illnesses such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, kidney infections, and heart disease may develop hypoglycemia.
Do not eat carbohydrates:
After a diagnosis of diabetes, many people avoid carbohydrates altogether. Since carbohydrates are the main source of energy, they can cause a drop in blood sugar.
High Intensity Exercises:
Many people with diabetes do high-intensity exercise without eating adequate meals. This can trigger a hypoglycemic episode.
Excess insulin production:
Many people have pancreatic cancer, known as an insulinoma, which causes too much insulin to be secreted, resulting in hypoglycemia..
Hormonal deficiency:
Some disorders of the adrenal and pituitary glands can cause an insufficient amount of certain hormones that regulate glucose production or metabolism..
How do we prevent hypoglycemia?
There are several ways to prevent the threat of low blood sugar, as prescribed by health professionals, ie:
Rule 15-15
The Centers for Disease Control says that if you have low blood sugar between 55-69 mg/dL, you can raise it by following the 15-15 rule, in which you check your sugar levels after every 15 minutes of consuming 15 grams of carbohydrates. If it is still below the target range, eat another meal and keep repeating the steps until it is below the normal.
Once it’s normal, eat a nutritious meal or snack to make sure it doesn’t subside again. Doctors recommend foods that contain 15 grams of carbohydrates:
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a glass of juice
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A spoonful of honey or sugar
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candy
3-4 glucose tablets
Always remember that it takes some time for your sugar levels to rise after you finish eating, so there’s no need to panic. Also, since carbohydrates are high in fiber, this can slow down the rate at which sugar is absorbed, so don’t overdo it..
Regular monitoring
Doctors recommend taking blood glucose readings at least twice a day, before and after meals. You also need to maintain continuous glucose monitoring to aid the process and improve diabetes control.
Playing sports
In addition to other health benefits, exercise and exercises help prevent hypoglycemia.
Follow a well-balanced diet
It is very important to have a proper, nutritious and balanced diet for people with diabetes. Doctors recommend eating smaller meals every 3 to 4 hours that include a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats so your glucose levels stay in check.