Low Blood Sugar: Understanding Hypoglycemia and Its Management

Diabetes can result in significant fluctuations in blood sugar regulation. It’s important to note that diabetes does not solely refer to high blood sugar; it can also lead to low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. This condition indicates that the body has lost its remarkable ability to regulate blood sugars effectively. Typically, blood sugar levels in our body are maintained within a narrow range of 80-140 mg/dl, depending on when the blood sugars are measured. Sugars serve as the primary energy source for nearly every tissue and organ in our body, with some organs, like the brain, relying exclusively on sugars for energy, while others can use fats as well.

A range of hormones and pathways work in harmony to keep blood sugar levels within the normal range, with insulin being a crucial hormone in this process. A deficiency in insulin results in the inability to regulate blood sugars, leading to hypoglycemia and significant fluctuations in blood sugar levels. These levels can rise above 180 mg/dl or drop below 60 mg/dl, with values less than 60 mg/dl classified as hypoglycemia. Many patients may experience symptoms of hypoglycemia even when their blood sugar is between 90-110 mg/dl, especially if they have consistently poorly controlled blood sugar levels above 180-200 mg/dl. Interestingly, some individuals may not exhibit symptoms until their blood sugar reaches as low as 50 mg/dl.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

When blood sugar levels fall below 70-80 mg/dl, individuals may experience hunger pangs, weakness, fatigue, and irritability. At levels below 70 mg/dl, additional symptoms such as sweating, mild mental clouding, and impaired thought processes may occur. If blood sugar drops below 40-50 mg/dl, drowsiness can set in, accompanied by severe sweating. At levels below 30-40 mg/dl, a person may become unconscious and could lapse into a coma. Prolonged low blood sugar (less than 40 mg/dl) can result in diabetes complications, including permanent brain damage and may even lead to death.

COMMON CAUSES OF HYPOGLYCEMIA.

The human body can store approximately 70 grams of sugar, primarily in the liver. Most other organs lack the ability to store blood sugars. During periods of food scarcity, this stored sugar (glycogen) is broken down, releasing glucose into the bloodstream to maintain blood sugar regulation.

For diabetics, several factors can lead to hypoglycemia, including:

1) Missing a meal

2) Fasting

3) Mistakenly taking diabetic medication twice

4) Administering a higher dose of insulin than prescribed

5) Developing an infection or illness that reduces appetite

6) Gradually experiencing kidney failure

In such situations, blood sugar levels may drop, leading to hypoglycemia. This hypoglycemic state indicates that the body’s reserves of glucose in the form of glycogen are completely depleted.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

It is crucial for individuals with diabetes to recognize the symptoms and causes of low blood sugar to take preventive measures. Once symptoms appear, the individual should ideally check their blood sugar using a portable glucometer and consume something quickly, such as sugar, sweets, fruit, biscuits, bread, or any other food containing simple sugars.

After experiencing low blood sugar, levels may continue to decrease over the next 24 to 48 hours, so it’s important for the person to ensure adequate oral intake during this period and to frequently check their blood sugar levels. Following this, a visit to their diabetologist is advisable to rule out any underlying infections or other causes of low blood sugar and to adjust their therapy accordingly, helping to prevent future diabetes complications related to hypoglycemia.