Topic OverviewIs this topic for you?Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is most common in people who have diabetes. If you have already been diagnosed with diabetes and need more information about low blood sugar, see the topics: Show
What is low blood sugar?You may have briefly felt the effects of low blood sugar when you've gotten really hungry or exercised hard without eating enough. This happens to nearly everyone from time to time. It's easy to correct and usually nothing to worry about. But low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can also be an ongoing problem. It occurs when the level of sugar in your blood drops too low to give your body energy. What causes hypoglycemia in people who don't have diabetes?Ongoing problems with low blood sugar can be caused by:
What are the symptoms?Symptoms can be different depending on how low your blood sugar level drops.
If you've had hypoglycemia during the night, you may wake up tired or with a headache. And you may have nightmares. Or you may sweat so much during the night that your pajamas or sheets are damp when you wake up. How is hypoglycemia diagnosed?To diagnose hypoglycemia, your doctor will do a physical examination and ask you questions about your health and any medicines you take. You will need blood tests to check your blood sugar levels. Some tests might include not eating (fasting) and watching for symptoms. Other tests might involve eating a meal that could cause symptoms of low blood sugar several hours later. The results of these types of tests can help diagnose the cause. You may also need tests to look for or rule out health problems that could be affecting your blood sugar levels. How is it treated?You can treat a sudden episode of low blood sugar by eating or drinking something with sugar in it. Some examples of "quick-sugar foods" are glucose or sucrose tablets or solution, fruit juice, soda, honey, and hard candy (like Life Savers). This is usually all that's needed to get your blood sugar level back up in the short term. If your hypoglycemia is caused by a health condition, you may need treatment for that condition. There also may be steps you can take to avoid low blood sugar. For example, talk to your doctor about whether changes in your diet, medicines, or exercise habits might help. What should you do in an emergency?If mild or moderate hypoglycemia isn't treated right away, it can turn into severe hypoglycemia. People with severe hypoglycemia usually pass out. If you pass out, someone should call 911 right away. If you have a health problem that tends to cause low blood sugar, it's a good idea to teach your family, friends, and co-workers about what symptoms to watch for and what to do. You may also want to wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace. CreditsCurrent as of: July 28, 2021 Author: Healthwise Staff Topic OverviewSymptoms of mild low blood sugarYou may have these symptoms when your blood sugar has dropped below 4.0 millimoles per litre (mmol/L). When you have had diabetes for many years, you may not always develop symptoms of mild low blood sugar. Some young children with diabetes cannot recognize symptoms of low blood sugar. Others can, but not every time. To be safe, the parents need to do a home blood sugar test whenever they suspect low blood sugar in a child. Symptoms may include:
These symptoms may go away shortly after you eat food that contains sugar. Symptoms of moderate low blood sugarIf your blood sugar continues to drop, your behaviour may change. Symptoms may include:
Symptoms of severe low blood sugarSymptoms of severe low blood sugar include:
Signs of low blood sugar at nightIf your blood sugar drops while you are sleeping, your partner or other family members may notice that you are sweating and behaving differently. Signs of low blood sugar at night (nocturnal hypoglycemia) include:
You may wake up with a headache in the morning if your blood sugar was low during the night. Signs of hypoglycemic unawarenessSome people have no symptoms of low blood sugar. The only symptom you may have is confusion. Or you may become unconscious before anyone realizes you have low blood sugar. You may have hypoglycemic unawareness if you:
If you have hypoglycemic unawareness, test your blood sugar often, especially before activities like driving a car. Keep some glucose or sucrose tablets or solution or quick-sugar foods with you. If you take insulin, carry a glucagon emergency kit. You can also give friends and family instructions to treat low blood sugar. CreditsCurrent as of: July 28, 2021 Author: Healthwise Staff How do you feel when your sugar level is low?Symptoms usually occur when blood sugar levels fall below four millimoles (mmol) per litre. Typical early warning signs are feeling hungry, trembling or shakiness, and sweating. In more severe cases, you may also feel confused and have difficulty concentrating.
How do you tell if your blood sugar is low without a test?Signs and symptoms of low blood glucose(happen quickly). Feeling shaky.. Being nervous or anxious.. Sweating, chills and clamminess.. Irritability or impatience.. Confusion.. Fast heartbeat.. Feeling lightheaded or dizzy.. Hunger.. How can you tell if your blood sugar is low at home?Insert a test strip into your meter. Prick the side of your fingertip with the needle (lancet) provided with your test kit. Touch and hold the edge of the test strip to the drop of blood. The meter will display your blood sugar level on a screen after a few seconds.
What is the most common cause of low blood sugar?Low blood sugar is most common among people who take insulin, but it can also occur if you're taking certain oral diabetes medications. Common causes of diabetic hypoglycemia include: Taking too much insulin or diabetes medication. Not eating enough.
|
How can i tell if i have low blood sugar
Related Posts
Copyright © 2024 moicapnhap Inc.
