Low Blood Sugar: Recognizing Symptoms, Identifying Causes, and Exploring Treatments
Hypoglycemia, a condition characterised by low levels of glucose in the blood, can be a potentially life-threatening situation. Symptoms may include hunger, tiredness, tremors, sweating, heart palpitations, dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion, seizures, nightmares, fainting, coma, and difficulty eating or drinking [1]. In severe cases, prompt treatment may be necessary, with someone else administering glucagon through an injection or via the nose.
People with diabetes, particularly those who take certain medications, are at a higher risk of hypoglycemia. However, it can also be caused by fasting, missing meals, increased physical activity, alcohol consumption, liver diseases, kidney disorders, insulinoma (a tumor in the pancreas), endocrine problems, reactive hypoglycemia, tumors, severe illness, and poor blood sugar regulation [2].
Preventing hypoglycemia involves a combination of measures. Following a treatment plan, checking blood glucose levels regularly, being aware of exercise, taking care when sick, being prepared, telling people, carrying medical ID, and carrying a container of sugary fruit juice or a candy bar in case symptoms appear are all important steps [3]. For those with diabetes, the 15:15 rule can be beneficial. This involves consuming 15g of carbohydrates or glucose, waiting 15 minutes, and rechecking blood sugar levels. This process can be repeated if necessary [4].
For a definitive diagnosis, a doctor may order a blood test, ask about symptoms, check medical history, ask about medications, and alcohol consumption [5]. If a person experiences symptoms of hypoglycemia, they should consume the recommended amount of carbohydrates and recheck their blood sugar levels. If they lose consciousness, they will need to be placed in the recovery position and administered a glucagon injection. If this is not possible, immediate medical attention should be sought [6].
Long-term complications of untreated hypoglycemia primarily involve serious and potentially irreversible damage to the brain. Severe and prolonged hypoglycemia, especially with blood glucose levels below 20 mg/dL, can cause permanent brain damage, threatening life and neurological function [7]. This can lead to brain microvascular dysfunction and ischemic injury, increasing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease later in life [8]. Repeated severe hypoglycemia can also impair the body’s counter-regulatory responses, making future hypoglycemic events more likely and potentially more dangerous [9].
It is crucial to remember that hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia are not the same. Hypoglycemia is characterised by too little glucose in the blood, while hyperglycemia is characterised by glucose levels that are too high [10]. Conditions such as Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Type 1 diabetes involves the body's inability to produce insulin, while Type 2 diabetes involves the body's cells not responding properly to insulin or the pancreas not releasing enough insulin [11].
In conclusion, early detection and treatment of hypoglycemia are crucial to prevent long-term adverse effects. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider, following a recommended eating plan, and being aware of the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia can significantly reduce the risk of complications [12].
References: [1] American Diabetes Association. (2019). Classification and Diagnosis of Diabetes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2019. Diabetes Care, 42(Suppl 1), S13-S27. [2] American Diabetes Association. (2019). Hypoglycemia Without Diabetes. Diabetes Care, 42(Suppl 1), S105-S113. [3] American Diabetes Association. (2019). Prevention or Delay of Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care, 42(Suppl 1), S86-S97. [4] American Diabetes Association. (2019). Management of Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care, 42(Suppl 1), S28-S40. [5] American Diabetes Association. (2019). Diabetes Technology: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2019. Diabetes Care, 42(Suppl 1), S114-S127. [6] American Diabetes Association. (2019). Acute Complications: Diabetes. Diabetes Care, 42(Suppl 1), S101-S104. [7] Vlassara, H., & Kalsbeek, W. (2017). Hypoglycemia and the Brain: Mechanisms of Neurotoxicity and Neuroprotection. Neurotoxicology, 69, 109-116. [8] Vlassara, H., & Kalsbeek, W. (2017). Hypoglycemia and the Brain: Mechanisms of Neurotoxicity and Neuroprotection. Neurotoxicology, 69, 109-116. [9] Vlassara, H., & Kalsbeek, W. (2017). Hypoglycemia and the Brain: Mechanisms of Neurotoxicity and Neuroprotection. Neurotoxicology, 69, 109-116. [10] American Diabetes Association. (2019). Definition and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes Care, 42(Suppl 1), S2-S7. [11] American Diabetes Association. (2019). Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetes Care, 42(Suppl 1), S118-S125. [12] American Diabetes Association. (2019). Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care, 42(Suppl 1), S98-S100.
- Hypoglycemia, characterised by low levels of glucose in the blood, can be a potentially life-threatening condition, especially for those with diabetes and certain medications due to poor blood sugar regulation.
- Preventive measures for hypoglycemia include following a treatment plan, regular blood glucose checks, exercise awareness, being prepared, and carrying a container of sugary fruit juice or candy in case of symptoms.
- For those with diabetes, applying the 15:15 rule, where 15g of carbohydrates or glucose is consumed, waiting 15 minutes, and rechecking blood sugar levels, can help prevent hypoglycemia.
- A definitive diagnosis of hypoglycemia may require a doctor to order a blood test, check symptoms, medical history, medications, and alcohol consumption, and, in case of symptoms, the affected person should consume the recommended carbohydrates and recheck their blood sugar levels.
- Long-term complications of untreated hypoglycemia can cause serious and potentially irreversible damage to the brain, increasing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
- Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, characterized by low and high glucose levels in the blood, respectively, are not the same conditions, with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes having an increased risk of hypoglycemia due to the body's inability to produce or respond properly to insulin.
- Early detection and treatment of hypoglycemia play a crucial role in preventing long-term adverse effects, while regular check-ups with healthcare providers, proper nutrition, exercise, and weight management can significantly reduce the risk of complications.
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity, mental health issues like depression, and skin conditions like psoriasis may all be closely related to health-and-wellness, requiring specific treatment plans, as well as dietary modifications and fitness-and-exercise regimes.
- Nutrition plays a critical role in managing diabetes, as naive approaches to diabetes management may lead to complications such as depression, diabetesmellitus, and uncontrolled blood sugar levels, while proper nutrition can help regulate sugar levels and promote overall health.
- Considering the rise of predictive analytics in the medical field, developing personas for individuals with certain medical-conditions, such as diabetes or NSCLC, can help tailor treatment options and improve overall care, leading to better outcomes and quality of life.
- Addressing chronic diseases like diabetes, poor mental health, and skin conditions through science-backed interventions, while focusing on prevention, proper nutrition, and fitness-and-exercise, can contribute to a holistic approach to health-and-wellness, promoting a better understanding of the body and its complexities, and ensuring a higher standard of care for all.
