What is Hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia, What is Low Blood Sugar?

Hypoglycemia is when blood sugar drops below 70 mg/dl. However, some people may experience symptoms of hypoglycemia even when their blood sugar is higher. This is especially true for people who have poor blood sugar control and have been living with high blood sugar for a long time.

Why is hypoglycemia important?

The goal of diabetes treatment is to keep blood sugar levels under control. Insulin injections or oral antidiabetic medications are used to regulate blood sugar. In addition to medication, factors such as changes in food intake, activity/exercise, stress, medications, and illness can affect blood sugar levels. When these factors are out of balance, any change in one of them can cause blood sugar levels to rise or fall.

Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can lead to short- or long-term complications. Most of these complications are preventable or can be reduced if the problems are identified and treated promptly. Therefore, blood sugar control is extremely important in diabetes treatment.

What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?

• Headache
• Irritability
• Weakness and fatigue
• Visual Impairment
• Anxiety
• Sweating and trembling
• Dizziness
• Hunger
• Rapid heartbeat

What causes hypoglycemia?

The most fundamental cause of hypoglycemia is absolute or relative excess insulin. Other causes include:

• High doses of insulin or oral antidiabetic drugs
• Mismatch between meal and exercise timing
• Delaying meal times or eating less
• Increased use of insulin in the body (e.g., exercising after insulin administration)
• Increased insulin sensitivity (weight loss, increased physical activity, menstrual period, or postpartum)
• Use of alcohol or certain medications
• Digestive difficulties and delayed gastric emptying

What Should Be Done During Hypoglycemia?

•    First, blood sugar should be measured.
•    If blood sugar is above 70 mg/dl and symptoms are mild, a snack should be eaten  and rest should be taken.

If blood sugar is below 70 mg/dl and symptoms are mild/moderate, one of the following options should be used:

•    1 glass (150-200 ml) of fruit juice or lemonade
•    4-5 sugar cubes
•    1 teaspoon of honey or jam
•    3-4 glucose tablets/gels
•    Blood sugar should be measured again after 15 minutes; if there is no improvement, the same procedure should be repeated.
•    Foods high in fat, such as chocolate and wafers, should not be used for emergency treatment.
•    If the patient loses consciousness or has difficulty chewing or swallowing, they  should be taken to a healthcare facility immediately.

How Can I Prevent Hypoglycemia?

•    Take your diabetes medications on time and at the recommended dose.
•    Do not skip meals or neglect snacks.
•    Check your blood sugar before exercising; if it is below 100 mg/dl, have a snack.
•    Always carry 4-5 sugar cubes or fruit juice with you.
•    Carry your diabetes ID card.
•    Check your blood sugar regularly and do not skip doctor's appointments.