What is low blood sugar?

Hypoglycemia is the condition when the body’s blood sugar levels are unusually low. A blood sugar level below 70 mg/dL is generally considered low, but this level can vary from person to person.

Blood sugar, or blood glucose, is the primary sugar the body produces from food. Glucose is transported through the blood stream to provide energy to the body’s cells.

Hypoglycemia can come on quickly, so it is important to recognize its signs and symptoms. They include:

Blurred/impaired vision;
Confusion;
Fainting/unconsciousness;
Headaches;
Hunger;
Irritability;
Lack of coordination;
Lightheadedness or dizziness;
Nausea;
Nervousness or anxiety;
Rapid heartbeat;
Seizures;
Shakiness;
Sleepiness;
Sweating and/or chills; and
Weakness.

Hypoglycemia is most common among people with diabetes, and it is usually a side effect of certain diabetes medications, such as insulin and insulin-producing pills. It is most likely due to an insulin imbalance from small or skipped meals, increased exercise or alcohol. Hypoglycemia may also result, though rarely, in people without diabetes. It can stem from other medications or diseases, hormone or enzyme deficiencies, or tumors.

Taking preventive measures to ensure that hypoglycemia does not occur is the best action. People with diabetes should closely monitor their medication and meal schedule to best keep track of their glucose levels. Tracking blood levels during exercise, having snacks available after physical activities and before bed, limiting alcoholic beverages, not drinking on an empty stomach and not skipping meals can also help prevent hypoglycemia.

Checking your blood sugar is the only way to way to be sure that you are experiencing hypoglycemia. If you are unsure, or are unable to check your glucose levels, it is best to treat the hypoglycemia. If blood levels are too low, something with 15 grams of carbohydrates should be consumed. Some options for this include:

3 or 4 glucose tablets;
½ cup fruit juice;
½ cup non-diet soda;
5 or 6 pieces of hard candy;
1 cup of milk; or
1 tablespoon of honey, syrup or sugar.

After eating, wait 15 minutes to recheck your sugar levels. If the levels are still too low, another 15 grams of carbohydrates should be consumed. These steps should be repeated until blood glucose levels return to a safe range, as determined by a physician. If levels do not return to normal, a doctor should be called. Hypoglycemia, if severe, can result in accidents, injuries, coma and even death.

More information may be found at these websites:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bloodsugar.html

http://www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/hypoglycemia/

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000085.htm

http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/hypoglygcemia-low-blood.html