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Managing Hypoglycemia

Understanding Causes of Low Blood Glucose Levels

Sep 10, 2009 Victoria Nicks

Hypoglycemia results when blood sugar levels are lower than normal as the result diet, exertion, or diabetic medication.

There are several different types of hypoglycemia, each of which exhibit the same range of symptoms. The causes of the different types of hypoglycemia are very different, however. Reactive hypoglycemia is the reaction to a high-carb diet. Fasting hypoglycemia exists when the body simply runs out of sugar due to a lack of food, and diabetic hypoglycemia results from an excessive dose of insulin or other medication.

Signs of Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia can have many symptoms, including night sweats and even nightmares. Excessive sweating can also take place during the day, as well as shakiness, nausea, and strong feelings of hunger. Emotional symptoms of hypoglycemia include irritability, impulse control, and excessively emotional reactions. Fatigue, confusion, dizziness, and even fainting spells, coma, and death can result from severe hypoglycemic attacks.

Symptoms of Reactive Hypoglycemia

Reactive hypoglycemia, also known as postprandial hypoglycemia, is a condition that occurs after eating foods that increase the blood sugar. Individuals with reactive hypoglycemia may experience this due to hormonal sensitivity, or excessive insulin production, which can lead to insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. When reactive hypoglycemia is present, blood sugar levels will drop in reaction to a meal that is high in refined carbs, and low in protein and fiber, up to 4 hours later. Eating a Low Blood Sugar Diet, which includes foods with a low glycemic index value, and avoids foods with high glycemic scores, can prevent this drop in blood sugar levels.

Fasting Hypoglycemia

This condition often occurs in the morning, after a long night without food. In other individuals, it can occur when even a few hours pass without food intake, or with any strenuous activity. In order to prevent the symptoms of fasting hypoglycemia, it is necessary to eat a high-protein snack every few hours, as well as before and after exercise. Small and frequent meals help to keep blood glucose stable, an important aspect of managing hypoglycemia.

Understanding Diabetic Hypoglycemia

Diabetic hypoglycemia can occur very quickly, and may be extremely severe. Diabetes medicine is potent, and changes in lifestyle, activity level, or eating habits may call for a lower dosage. If the incorrect dosage is administered, blood sugar levels may drop to dangerous levels. When diabetic hypoglycemia occurs, consumption of a quick source of glucose can raise blood glucose back to safe levels.

Managing hypoglycemia requires an understanding of the different causes of low blood sugar reactions. Each type of hypoglycemia must be addressed differently, from preventative measures to treatment. Vigilant care, adequate preparation, and careful planning improve the chances of preventing dangerously low blood sugar levels.

The copyright of the article Managing Hypoglycemia in General Medicine is owned by Victoria Nicks. Permission to republish Managing Hypoglycemia in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Managing Hypoglycemia