Low blood sugar levels? It could be Hypoglycemia!

High blood sugar is the cause of a number of disorders and malfunctions in the body. However, extremely low blood sugar levels can be just as damaging for the proper functioning of the body. Persistent low glucose level is indicative of a disorder, known as hypoglycaemia.

Here is a look at some symptoms by which you can identify hypoglycaemia.
Common symptoms of hypoglycaemia-

A sudden and drastic drop in blood sugar will result in the following symptoms-

• Irregular heartbeat

• Pale skin

• Shakiness

• Hunger

• Irritability

• Anxiety

• Tingling sensation around the mouth

As the blood sugar levels drop further, effects that are more serious may be felt, such as-

• Abnormal heartbeat

• Loss of consciousness

• Confusion

• Seizures

A person suffering from severe hypoglycaemia may seem and behave as if they are intoxicated. Slurring of speech is also common in some cases of drastic hypoglycaemia.

Causes of hypoglycaemia-

Here is a look at the causes of hypoglycaemia in people who suffer from diabetes.

• Diabetes-related hypoglycaemia-

If you suffer from type 1 diabetes, your body does not produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Similarly, if you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not respond to the insulin present in the body. In both cases, standard treatment involves injecting excess insulin into the body. While the insulin helps control excess blood sugar, too much of it can lead to sudden drops of glucose level, causing hypoglycaemia.

• Hypoglycaemia unrelated to diabetes-

People who do not suffer from diabetes also face great risk of hypoglycaemia under the following conditions-

1. Blood glucose levels may drop due to side effects from medications

2. Excessive alcohol consumption

3. Overproduction of insulin

4. Critical illnesses

5. Hormonal imbalance

Fasting for a long while can also induce hypoglycaemia, resulting in loss of consciousness and other symptoms.

Treatment for hypoglycaemia-

The immediate course of action is to raise the blood sugar levels in the hypoglycaemic patient. This is done by the consumption of a fast-acting carbohydrate. The doctor will then determine the underlying reason for the hypoglycaemia and treat the said disorder.