Impact of Low Blood Sugar on the Body: Short-term and Persistent Impacts
In our bodies, sugar, or glucose, plays a crucial role in providing energy to our cells. However, when the concentration of sugar in the blood falls below the normal range, a condition known as hypoglycemia occurs. This article will delve into the causes, symptoms, and treatments of hypoglycemia.
Healthcare professionals typically measure blood sugar in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl). In the general population, healthy blood sugar levels range from 70-100 mg/dl. Hypoglycemia, therefore, is when the blood sugar levels drop below this range.
On a short-term basis, a person may experience low blood sugar if they have increased their physical activity levels beyond their usual routine, skipped a meal, consumed alcohol without food, or vomited. However, severe, long-term hypoglycemia can be caused by several conditions and factors.
Severe, long-term hypoglycemia beyond diabetes medication can be caused by endogenous hyperinsulinism (tumors), hormone deficiencies, organ dysfunction, critical illness, certain drugs, and metabolic imbalances. Insulinomas, for instance, cause excessive insulin secretion independent of diabetes treatment. Adrenal insufficiency, on the other hand, reduces cortisol production, impairing glucose regulation, which can lead to hypoglycemia.
Other contributing causes include malnourishment, excessive alcohol consumption, and complications from gastric bypass surgery. It is essential to identify the underlying cause of hypoglycemia for proper treatment, which requires thorough medical evaluation.
Mild-to-moderate symptoms of hypoglycemia include confusion, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, anxiety, headaches, cold sweats, shivering, racing pulse, and seizures. If a person experiences these symptoms even after consuming food or a sugary drink, has severe symptoms, or has frequent episodes of low blood sugar, it is important to contact a doctor.
In severe cases, nerve cells can die from the lack of glucose supply, leading to the condition known as autonomic neuropathy, where a person loses the ability to detect low blood sugar levels. This underscores the importance of prompt treatment.
Options for treating low blood sugar include a glass of milk or orange juice and carbohydrate-rich foods, such as a sandwich. A person who is experiencing an episode of low blood sugar can treat themselves immediately by consuming foods or drinks that will quickly raise blood sugar levels.
For individuals who often experience low blood sugar or are likely to develop severe hypoglycemia, a doctor can provide a glucagon emergency kit. If a person becomes drowsy and confused, and they may lose consciousness, a glucagon injection may be necessary.
It is also a good idea for individuals at risk of hypoglycemia to wear a medical alert bracelet so that others know what to do if a situation arises. People with diabetes should aim for blood sugar levels of 80-130 mg/dl right before a meal and below 180 mg/dl at 2 hours after the beginning of the meal.
Finally, it is important to note that hypoglycemia, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications such as brain bleed, heart attack, and impairment to cognitive function in severe cases.
In conclusion, understanding hypoglycemia is crucial for maintaining good health. By recognising the symptoms, knowing the causes, and seeking prompt treatment, individuals can prevent the potentially severe consequences of low blood sugar.
- In diabetes management, understanding the normal range of blood sugar levels is vital, with healthy levels being 70-100 mg/dl.
- Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels drop below the normal range, and it can be caused by increased physical activity, skipping meals, consuming alcohol without food, or vomiting.
- Severe, long-term hypoglycemia beyond diabetes medication may be caused by endogenous hyperinsulinism, hormone deficiencies, organ dysfunction, critical illness, certain drugs, metabolic imbalances, malnourishment, excessive alcohol consumption, and complications from gastric bypass surgery.
- Insulinomas are an example of conditions that cause excessive insulin secretion, while adrenal insufficiency reduces cortisol production, leading to hypoglycemia.
- Mild-to-moderate symptoms of hypoglycemia include confusion, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, anxiety, headaches, cold sweats, shivering, racing pulse, and seizures.
- If a person experiences these symptoms even after consuming food or a sugary drink, has severe symptoms, or has frequent episodes of low blood sugar, it is important to contact a doctor.
- In severe cases, nerve cells can die from the lack of glucose supply, leading to autonomic neuropathy.
- Options for treating low blood sugar include a glass of milk or orange juice and carbohydrate-rich foods, such as a sandwich.
- A glucagon emergency kit can be provided by a doctor for individuals who often experience low blood sugar or are at risk of severe hypoglycemia.
- It is advisable for individuals at risk of hypoglycemia to wear a medical alert bracelet.
- People with diabetes should aim for blood sugar levels of 80-130 mg/dl right before a meal and below 180 mg/dl at 2 hours after the beginning of the meal.
- If left untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to serious complications such as brain bleed, heart attack, and impairment to cognitive function.
- Understanding hypoglycemia is crucial for maintaining good health, as recognizing the symptoms and seeking prompt treatment can prevent its potentially severe consequences.
- Preventive measures such as fitness and exercise, proper nutrition, weight management, and therapies and treatments for chronic diseases like diabetes, COPD, and cancer can help manage hypoglycemia and other health aspects.
- Furthermore, mental health conditions, neurological disorders, autoimmune disorders, migraine, eye-health, hearing, skin-care, and digestive-health concerns are integral to overall health and wellness, requiring attention and care as well.
