Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycaemia which is most commonly called low blood
sugar is a dangerous medical condition that’s associated with certain
diabetic patients. Glucose is the type of sugar digested in the blood
stream and is necessary for your cells to function properly. The
pancreas, which is responsible for regulating blood sugar level by
introducing insulin into the blood stream automatically, is a vital
organ that you need to take care of. When it gets damaged can take a
toll in your body. As a result this precious organ can no longer sustain
you on its own and you’ll need to start to manually manage your blood
sugar level from an external device (i.e. insulin injection).
Symptoms
When
you’ll experience low blood sugar symptoms you will feel strange
sensations all throughout your body. This is an indication that your
body is starting to break down at the cellular level and it gets
dangerous as the symptoms progresses. Unless you will get immediate
medical attention you could die from it. Here are some of them:
• Hunger
• Difficulty sleeping
• Pale skin
• Sweating
• Rapid heartbeat
• Loss of consciousness
• Unexplained fatigue
• Headache
• Sudden nervousness
• Trouble thinking clearly or concentrating
• Shaking
• Sudden mood changes
• Blurry vision
• Skin tingling
Quick Relief Tactics
Hypoglycaemic
people, especially those who will experience it for the first time,
will not know what’s happening to them. Following low blood sugar
symptoms they will feel nausea and dizziness, faint, go into shock which
will only lead to 2 things; 1) they’ll have a seizure and 2) they’ll go
into a diabetic coma which is fatal.
If you happen to be present
when it occurs to your relatives, friends or neighbors; immediately
give them 15 grams of digestible carbohydrate. They can be:
• 4 or 5 saltine crackers
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• Half cup of regular soda or juice
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 3 or 4 pieces of glucose tablets or hard candy
Then call 911 to get the patient diagnosed and for the doctor to confirm whether they have diabetes or not.
Diabetes and Low Blood Sugar
People
with diabetes are more susceptible to low blood sugar attacks, because
they need to administer insulin manually into their system in order to
cope with the glucose imbalance in their blood. It’s very important that
if you are diabetic you must follow what has been prescribed to you by
the doctor; otherwise a normal routine insulin treatment could be
somewhat a lethal injection instead! For instance, taking more insulin
than what has been prescribed could cause your blood sugar to drop
uncontrollably and cause death. Also too much workout or playing sports
without replenishing the carbohydrates in your body could lead to low
blood sugar symptoms.
Other Causes
Unfortunately, low blood sugar levels don’t only happen to diabetic people. Below are other causes that lead to this condition:
1. Drinking too much alcohol
2. Endocrine disorders, such as adrenal gland deficiency
3. A tumor that produces excess insulin
4. Certain medications, such as quinine
5. Some medical conditions, such as hepatitis or kidney disorders
Treatment
According
to the American Diabetes Association you should always carry at least
15 grams of snack with you wherever you go. This will be enough to
immediately treat your low blood sugar level condition if and when they
occur. They also recommend that you bring a blood sugar testing device
like the B Braun’s ACCU-Check or the Bayer's Contour NEXT USB to test
your blood sugar level in case you’ve experienced low blood sugar
symptoms. It will be good to test your blood 15 minutes after you’ve
consumed a snack, because it will take time for the glucose to be
distributed and absorbed by your cells.
Try to find a place to
sit and rest if you’re in a public area and don’t get up until your
blood sugar level has gone back up to acceptable levels. It is also
advised that you do not eat too much carbohydrates while treating your
low blood sugar as it could cause complications as well.
Prevention
Have
a daily diet plan and regularly check your blood sugar level. Visit
your doctor regularly and ask for advice. If you’re at work, tell your
co-workers about your condition and if you have a glucagon kit, teach
them how to use it in case you lose consciousness. Then always tell them
to call 911 after treating you for safety precautions. Being aware and
well-informed of your condition will help you avoid low blood sugar
symptoms and its complications. Also having a family or relative or
friend or partner take care of you will significantly reduce the risks
of having low blood sugar level episodes.
