Low Blood Glucose Levels
The level of glucose, or sugar, in the blood needs to remain within a narrow healthy range. The problem of too much sugar in the blood, causing such conditions as hyperglycemia, pre-diabetes and diabetes, is widely known. But too little blood glucose can also be a serious health danger.
The body, most especially the brain and nervous system, needs a steady supply of fuel to function. One of its major fuel sources is sugar. When its supply drops below the optimum range, certain problems develop. Hypoglycemia is the condition that occurs when the blood glucose is too low. This condition is also called low blood sugar or insulin shock.
There are various causes of hypoglycemia. It is fairly common among persons with diabetes who take insulin to regulate the level of blood sugar. When too much insulin is taken, when a person goes too long without eating or does not eat an adequate quantity of food to have blood sugar produced at sufficient levels, or if the individual has undertaken exercise without eating, thereby using up blood sugar, there is a risk of hypoglycemia.
Hypoglycemia in individuals without diabetes is less common but does occur. Possible causes are extended periods of time without proper eating, especially without the consumption of adequate carbohydrates. For example, persons suffering from anorexia, the eating disorder characterized by severe limiting of food, may become hypoglycemic. High intensity exercise for long periods or alcohol consumption without proper eating might also result in hypoglycemia. Marathon runners, long distance cyclists and participants in similar athletic tests of endurance are especially prone to experiencing low blood sugar. Other causes are stress, certain medications and severe illnesses of the kidney or the liver such as hepatitis.
If the level of glucose in the blood falls too low, numerous conditions might result. Because the brain’s supply of fuel is diminished, confusion or the inability to perform normal functions might result. There could be vision problems such as blurred or double vision or speech difficulties including slurred or nonsensical speech. In addition, headache, general discomfort, hunger, fatigue, sweating, anxiety, irritability including possible aggressive behavior, heart palpitations and tremors are other symptoms of hypoglycemia. If medical treatment is not obtained and the condition continues, it can lead to seizures, convulsions, loss of consciousness, coma or death.
When the first indications of hypoglycemia are observed, there should be the immediate delivery of easily absorbed sugar. Fruit juice, soda drinks, candy or table sugar are suggested options. It is generally recognized that a dose of 15 grams of glucose should initially be administered. Examples of approximately 10 to 15 grams of glucose are a half can of regular soda or juice, four sucking candies or four teaspoons of table sugar. If there is no improvement after 10 minutes, it is recommended that a second dose of another 10 to 15 grams should be given. This procedure can be followed up to three times. If the conditions persist or if the individual will not or is unable to take food or drink by mouth, he or she should be considered non-responsive to therapy, and medical assistance should be sought immediately.
Persons with a history of hypoglycemic episodes, most especially individuals with diabetes, need to have their diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, other life style situations and, where applicable, prescribed medication and insulin levels examined by their physician. Such persons should be taught how to check their blood sugar, especially before undertaking activities such as operating machinery, driving a car or commencing anything physically strenuous. They might also consider wearing identification stating that they have diabetes or other conditions that might result in hypoglycemia and carrying a quick-acting source of glucose.
Types of Blood Glucose Tests
- Fasting blood sugar (FBS) measures blood glucose after you have not eaten for at least 8 hours. It is often the first test done to check for prediabetes and diabetes.
- 2-hour postprandial blood sugar measures blood glucose exactly 2 hours after you start eating a meal.
- Random blood sugar (RBS) measures blood glucose regardless of when you last ate. Several random measurements may be taken throughout the day. Random testing is useful because glucose levels in healthy people do not vary widely throughout the day. Blood glucose levels that vary widely may mean a problem. This test is also called a casual blood glucose test.
- Oral glucose tolerance test is used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes. An oral glucose tolerance test is a series of blood glucose measurements taken after you drink a sweet liquid that contains glucose. This test is commonly used to diagnose diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. For more information, see the medical test Oral Glucose Tolerance Test. This test is not commonly used to diagnose diabetes in a person who is not pregnant.
Symptoms of Low Blood Glucose Levels
trembling
clammy skin
pounding or fast heart beats
anxiety
sweating
hunger
irritability
When the brain remains deprived of glucose, a later set of symptoms follows:
difficulty in thinking
confusion
headache
seizures
coma
I just moved to Michigan from South Carolina. This is my first winter here and so far it's freezing. I enjoy traveling, drawing, camping, writing, and doing community service in my spare time. I work for a education company and help them with their outreach to teachers and students. Hope everyone enjoys my articles.
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