Dealing with Lows
When your blood sugar falls below 70 mg/dL, you have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). When this happens, many people experience unpleasant symptoms that can be both physical and emotional. These symptoms can come on quite suddenly. Hypoglycemia is usually easy to treat. However, if it is not dealt with quickly, these serious reactions may be life threatening and include passing out or having convulsions. Talk with your doctor about what steps to take in case of a low blood sugar emergency, and most importantly, how to avoid one.
What causes hypoglycemia?
The most common causes of hypoglycemia are:
- skipping or not finishing meals or snacks
- getting more exercise than usual
- taking too much diabetes medication
- eating at the wrong time for the medicine you take
- drinking alcoholic beverages
Skipping or delaying meals can cause low blood sugar in people who take sulfonylureas, meglitinide, or insulin. These drugs increase the body's insulin level. Unless insulin in the blood is balanced by food, it can cause your blood sugar level to fall too low. Before you drink alcoholic beverages, discuss with your healthcare provider whether some use of alcohol may be included in your meal plan.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia
When blood sugar gets too low you may:
- feel shaky
- be sweaty
- feel tired
- be hungry
- have a fast heartbeat
- become ill-tempered or confused
- have blurred vision or a headache
- have no symptoms at all
Having no symptoms of hypoglycemia at all is a dangerous situation! If you have a blood sugar reading below 70 mg/dL and aren't experiencing any of the symptoms described above, you should immediately treat your low blood sugar level. Even if you are feeling fine, this situation still needs to be treated. Make sure to notify your doctor of this event.
