What is a dangerously low blood sugar level or hypoglycemia? Know how to regulate it

Glucose, according to doctors, is the primary source of energy for the body. It is vital for diabetes patients as both rise and fall can be discomforting and a balance has to be maintained. If identified early on, it becomes very easy to manage low blood sugar levels through lifestyle modifications.

Hypoglycemia is a life-long condition; 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, Low blood sugar happens when the glucose level in the blood gets below 70 mg/dl. It might result in losing consciousness, seizures, coma, and even death.Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar levels

According to the Mayo Clinic, the common signs of extremely low blood sugar levels include:

• Sweating profusely
• Feeling very hungry
• Feeling dizzy and having a blackout
• Fatigue and extreme tiredness
• Chronic headache
• Blurry vision
• Seizures, both mild and strong
• Feeling of numbness and tingling in hands, lips, arms, legs, and toes
• Not being able to concentrate
• Lack of body coordination
• Anxiety
• Breathlessness
• Irregular and fast heartbeat
• Looking pale
• Getting nightmares if sleeping
• Unconsciousness

What causes hypoglycemia?

Healthline says that usually hypoglycemia or sugar levels fall to extremely low levels because of the following reasons:

• Regulation: A hormone from the pancreas known as glucagon signals the liver to break down the stored glycogen and release glucose into your bloodstream. It keeps the blood sugar within the standard range as it should be. However, if you are diabetic and do not eat for a long time, the blood sugar levels drop as the body stops producing insulin. With prolonged and continuous fasting, the body can break down fat stores and use products of fat breakdown as an alternative fuel.
• Medications: Doctors say that taking medicines like qualaquin, used to treat malaria can cause hypoglycemia. Also, people who do not suffer from diabetes, if they take medicines to control blood sugar levels, can suffer from the condition.
• Drinking too much alcohol: Drinking heavily empty stomach keeps the liver from releasing glucose from its glycogen stores into the bloodstream, leading to hypoglycemia.
• Suffering other critical illnesses: Those suffering from other critical illnesses like hepatitis, cirrhosis, kidney infections, and heart disease can get hypoglycemia.
• Not eating carbs: Many people after diabetes diagnosis avoid eating carbs at all. Since carbs are the primary source of energy, they may cause a drop in blood glucose.
• High-intensity exercise: Many people, suffering from diabetes perform high-intensity exercises, without eating proper meals. This can stimulate a hypoglycemic episode.
• Overproduction of Insulin: Many people suffer from a tumour of the pancreas, known as insulinoma, that causes the production of too much insulin, resulting in hypoglycemia.
• Hormonal deficiency: Certain adrenal gland and pituitary tumor disorders can result in an inadequate amount of certain hormones that regulate glucose production or metabolism.

How to prevent hypoglycemia?

A few ways to prevent threatening low blood sugar levels, as prescribed by health professionals, are:The 15-15 rule

CDC says that if you suffer from 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 having 15 grams of carbs. If it is still below the target range, have another serving, and keep repeating the steps until it comes under the normal range.

Once it becomes normal, eat a nutritious meal or snack to ensure it does not get too low again. Doctors recommend food items with 15 grams of carbs:

• A cup of juice
• A tablespoon of honey or sugar
• Hard candies
• 3-4 tablets of glucose

Always remember that it does take some time for the sugar levels to rise after you finish eating and hence, do not panic. Also, since carbs are loaded with fibre, it may slow down how fast you absorb sugar, and hence do not overstuff yourself.Regular monitoring

Doctors recommend noting down the readings of blood sugar levels at least twice daily before and after meals. Also, you need to keep a continuous glucose monitor to benefit the process and improve diabetes control.Exercise

Apart from other health benefits, exercising and workouts help prevent hypoglycemia.Eat a balanced diet

It is very important to eat a proper nutritious and balanced diet for people suffering from diabetes. Doctors recommend eating smaller meals every 3-4 hours that include a balanced mix of proteins, carbs, and healthy fats so that glucose levels remain in control.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet