Blood sugar, or glucose, is the body's primary energy source. It is connected to all our organ systems. It moves through our bloodstream, fuelling cells and supporting their functions. And that is why balanced blood sugar levels are crucial, as imbalances can have serious effects and complications on our overall health.
Stable levels ensure consistent energy distribution and regulate bodily processes. Today we are going to explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and potential treatments for Hypoglycemia which is characterized by abnormally low blood sugar levels, and Hyperglycemia which signifies elevated blood sugar levels.
Hypoglycemia: Overview
Hypoglycemia is a condition that occurs when the glucose or sugar levels in the bloodstream drop below the required levels for the body's proper functioning. It can pose a serious problem if not managed effectively. While not a direct precursor to diabetes, it can be an indicator of glucose regulation issues. There are some early warning signs to look out for indicating a Hypoglycemic episode like dizziness, sweating, and confusion. The duration of how long the episode lasts depends on factors like its cause and severity.
Hypoglycemia is usually not a permanent condition and can often be resolved through timely intervention. It is possible to test for Hypoglycemia at home using blood glucose monitors aiding in early detection and management. It is important to pay a visit to your healthcare provider for a better assessment, accurate diagnosis, and treatment.
What are the causes of Hypoglycemia?
The tendency to make poor nutrition choices.
Skipping or delaying meals.
Certain diabetes medications like insulin and sulfonylureas.
Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
Age of 65 years or older.
Other preexisting conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, etc.
What are the warning signs for hypoglycemia?
Shaking, nervousness.
Irritability, impatience.
Confusion, difficulty concentrating.
Blurred vision, dizziness, and inability to speak properly.
Fatigue, weakness.
Headache, nausea.
Hypoglycemia Complications
If the blood sugar or glucose levels are extremely low, it can hamper your brain from working normally. This may lead to:
Losing consciousness.
Having seizures. In some severe cases, Hypoglycemia can also be fatal.
Nocturnal Hypoglycemia:
Nocturnal Hypoglycemia is a condition where the blood glucose or sugar levels drop to abnormal levels at night when asleep.
Causes:
Skipping a meal (especially dinner).
Exercising before sleeping.
Consuming alcohol before bedtime.
Having certain infections.
Warning signs:
Nightmares. Often waking up due to them.
Profound sweating and increased heart rate.
Restless and irritable sleep.
Hot flashes.
Recurrent Hypoglycemia
Recurrent Hypoglycemic episodes are commonly experienced by diabetic patients. The most common reasons for that are:
Unbalanced therapy.
Not following a proper diet.
Irregular eating patterns.
Certain diabetes medications drop the blood glucose or sugar levels temporarily.
Changes in medications.
Even though it is rare, people without diabetes can also experience sudden or recurrent Hypoglycemic episodes. Here are a few possible causes behind it:
Hormonal deficiencies: Certain hormonal disorders can lead to less than normal production of hormones required for regulating blood sugar levels.
Medication: Accidentally consuming diabetes medications (oral) can cause a sudden Hypoglycemic episode.
Heavy alcohol consumption: Drinking heavily without eating anything can cause the liver to not release glucose into the bloodstream leading to Hypoglycemia.
Critical underlying illness: Heart disease, kidney disease, etc. are also a cause of Hypoglycemia.
Hypoglycemia diagnosis
The diagnosis of Hypoglycemia is done by checking the blood glucose or sugar levels. If the blood glucose or sugar levels of individuals with diabetes taking insulin or other medication are (less than) < 70 mg/dL, they are diagnosed with Hypoglycemia.
There are three levels based on the severity of Hypoglycemia in diabetics:
Level 1 – Mild Hypoglycemia: When the blood glucose levels are (less than) < 70 mg/dL but (more than) > 54 mg/dL.
Level 2 – Moderate Hypoglycemia: When the blood sugar levels are (less than) < 54 mg/dL.
Level 3 – Severe Hypoglycemia: When there is a change in the mental and physical status of the patient and they require assistance.
Diagnosis of Hypoglycemia in patients without diabetes requires proof of low blood sugar levels during a supervised fasting period of 48 to 72 hours. The second method requires a confirmation of Whipple’s triad:
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia should be present.
The glucose plasma level should be (less than) < 55 mg/dL.
There is a decrease or relief from symptoms after consumption of sugar.
As we delve into the symptoms, causes, and diagnosis of Hypoglycemia, the relevance of seeking Ayurvedic medicine for diabetes comes to light. Ayurveda's tradition of utilizing herbs like bitter melon, fenugreek, and cinnamon echoes the emphasis on nutrition choices and the impact on blood sugar levels. Integrating Ayurveda for diabetes with conventional healthcare could provide a multifaceted approach to diabetes management.
How to treat Hypoglycemia?
If you start experiencing a Hypoglycemic episode, consume a small amount of 15 to 20 grams of glucose or carbs such as fruit, glucose tablets, fruit juice, 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, etc.
Wait for 15 minutes and check your blood sugar level.
If the glucose level is still low, repeat the process till it comes to normal.
If the blood sugar or levels are not coming to normal, immediately contact your healthcare provider.
What to do if you have severe low blood sugar levels?
Using an emergency glucagon kit is the best way to treat severe low levels. Glucagon is a hormone that increases glucose levels. It comes in the form of a nasal spray or injection.
Talk to your doctor for a prescription for a glucagon kit to use during emergencies.
Learn and teach your close ones how to administer the glucagon kit during emergencies.
Immediately alert medical services if the glucagon kit is not available during emergencies.
How to prevent Hypoglycemia?
There are certain measures you can take to prevent your blood sugar levels from dropping.
Balanced and nutritional diet.
Regular meals and snacks.
Avoid skipping meals.
Regular blood sugar monitoring.
Adjusting medication as and when required under medical supervision.
Takeaway:
Blood sugar (glucose) is the body's primary energy source, crucial for organ function and cell support.
Maintaining balanced blood sugar levels is essential for consistent energy distribution and overall bodily functions.
Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels fall to abnormal levels.
While often associated with diabetes, Hypoglycemia can also signal glucose regulation problems in individuals without diabetes.
Warning signs of Hypoglycemia include dizziness, sweating, confusion, and symptom duration varies based on severity and causes.
Blood glucose monitors aid in at-home detection, yet professional assessment is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Poor nutrition choices, skipped meals, certain medications, age, and preexisting conditions contribute to Hypoglycemia risk.
Ayurvedic medicine for sugar control offers a diverse range of dietary recommendations, healthy lifestyle changes, and herbal remedies such as Ayurvedic tablets for diabetes that can potentially influence blood sugar levels.
While primarily linked to diabetes, Hypoglycemia can rarely affect individuals without diabetes due to underlying causes.
Severe cases of Hypoglycemia can lead to unconsciousness, seizures, and, in extreme scenarios, even prove fatal.
Preventive measures encompass balanced nutrition, regular meals, blood sugar monitoring, and medication adjustments. Treating Hypoglycemia involves glucose intake, while severe cases may require emergency glucagon administration.
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