Low blood sugar levels
Individuals who suffer from low hypoglycemia (blood sugar levels) are typically diagnosed as being hypoglycemic. Low blood sugar symptoms can begin to manifest when blood sugar levels fall below normal. These symptoms can vary depending on how low the blood sugar is. Normal blood sugar levels are between 70 – 110 mg/dl.
It is important to keep normal blood sugar levels to maintain health and energy in the body. The food that we eat can play a major role in blood sugar levels. After eating a meal the pancreas produces insulin which then causes the cells to open and allow sugar molecules to pass into them so energy for the body can be produced. Any extra blood sugar is changed into glycogen and stored in fat cells for energy later to be used later on if the person’s metabolism is working correctly. If too much insulin has been released by an over reactive pancreas, the blood sugar levels begin to fall below normal. Once this happens the person will begin to experience low blood sugar symptoms.
If there is not enough glucose in the blood stream the person will begin to feel weak, dizzy and confused. They may become clumsy and their hands may begin to shake or tremble. Low blood sugar symptoms can cause the person to feel like they are going to faint. Some people actually do faint if they have very low blood sugar. Severe cases of low blood sugar can lead to seizures, coma and ultimately death if not treated.
A person who has a mild case of hypoglycemia has a blood sugar reading between 60 – 65 mg/dl. They may feel nauseous, hungry, jittery and nervous. Other symptoms include heart palpitations, sweating, trembling and numbness in the lips or fingertips. A moderate case of low blood sugar is when blood sugar levels fall below 50 mg/dl. The symptoms for a moderate case are weakness, fatigue, dizziness and drowsiness. Blurred vision may occur in cases of moderate low blood sugar.
In a severe case of low blood sugar the person has a blood sugar level reading of 30 mg/dl or less. Symptoms of a severe case of low blood sugar include hyperthermia, loss of consciousness and coma. If blood sugar levels are not quickly corrected the person may suffer permanent brain damage or permanent damage to the heart. The severest symptom of low blood sugar is death. Immediate medical care must be sought out to prevent death.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia can also involve the person’s mood. Mood swings, anger, rage, insomnia, nervousness, emotional instability, depression, crying jags, irrational behavior and distorted judgment can all be symptoms of low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia is a diet related medical condition. Many times the person is not aware that they have hypoglycemia until they are hit with the symptoms. Symptoms can come on suddenly. Symptoms of low blood sugar should be reported to your medical doctor and a blood test done to determine if the person has hypoglycemia.
When a person feels like they are experiencing low blood sugar they can drink a glass of juice or milk. Drinking either one can quickly raise blood sugar levels. It is important to eat a balanced diet if you have hypoglycemia. People who have symptoms of low blood sugar frequently need to lower their intake of refined carbohydrates, sugar, white flour, sodas, candy and other sweets. Eating these foods can cause the pancreas to overreact and release too much insulin, which in turn can lead to low blood sugar symptoms. Instead, eat a diet with more protein, complex carbohydrates, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. If a person has been diagnosed with hypoglycemia and does not change their diet, the end result can be the development of sugar diabetes.
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