HYPOGLYCAEMIA OR LOW BLOOD SUGAR

Signs, Symptoms & Causes and 5 Must-Know Ways to Manage it

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can be a tricky situation, especially if you're managing type 2 Diabetes. While often associated with insulin use, it can also occur with certain oral medications or even lifestyle factors in individuals with type 2 Diabetes. Understanding the hypoglycemia symptoms and potential causes is key to staying safe and healthy. Let's dive into what you need to know.   

What causes hypoglycaemia?

• Certain Diabetes Medications - Some oral drugs boost insulin, causing lows if the dose is high or taken without enough food.
• Skipping/Delaying Meals - Irregular eating, especially with medication, can drop blood sugar.
• Insufficient Carbohydrates - Not enough carbs, particularly after medication, leads to lower glucose.
• Increased Physical Activity - Unplanned or intense exercise without adjusting meds or food can cause lows.
• Alcohol - It hinders the liver's glucose release, especially on an empty stomach.
• Kidney Problems - Impaired kidney function can prolong the effect of insulin/medications.
• Medication/Dosage Changes - Starting new drugs or adjusting doses can affect glucose levels.
  
• Illness - Vomiting/diarrhea can reduce food intake and nutrient absorption.

Recognize the Early Warning Signs of Hypoglycemia 

Your body has its own internal alarm system that goes off when your blood glucose levels dip too low.

• Feeling shaky or jittery - This internal trembling sensation can be quite noticeable and is often one of the first indicators.
• Sweating - Even if the temperature is comfortable, you might suddenly find yourself breaking out in a cold sweat.
• Feeling anxious or nervous - A sense of unease, worry, or irritability 
  Rapid heartbeat or palpitations - Your heart might start racing or pounding without any apparent reason.
• Feeling hungry - A sudden and intense hunger, even if you've eaten recently.   
  Dizziness or lightheadedness - You might feel unsteady or like the room is spinning.
• Blurred vision - Your eyesight might become temporarily unclear or fuzzy.   
  Tingling or numbness around the lips or fingers - This pins-and-needles sensation can be an early neurological sign.   
  

Act Fast! Signs, Symptoms of Severe Hypoglycemia 

If low blood sugar isn't addressed, hypoglycemia symptoms can progress and become more serious, affecting brain function.

• Confusion - You might find it hard to think clearly, make decisions, or follow conversations.
• Weakness or fatigue - Feeling unusually tired or lacking strength can occur.
• Headache - A persistent or severe headache can be a symptom.
• Slurred speech - Your words might become difficult to understand.
• Irritability - Unexpected outbursts of anger or sadness.
• Loss of coordination - Difficulty walking or performing simple tasks.
• Seizures or convulsions - Very low blood sugar can lead to seizures.
• Loss of consciousness - This is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.

It's crucial to remember that not everyone experiences the same symptoms, and the intensity can vary from person to person and from one episode to the next. Some individuals with long-standing diabetes may even develop "hypoglycemia unawareness," where they no longer experience the early warning signs. This increases the risk of severe hypoglycemia, making regular blood glucose monitoring even more critical.

5 Must-Know Hypoglycemia Management Strategies

1. At Home : Act Fast, Stay Safe

If you notice early hypoglycemia symptoms, immediately check your blood sugar.  A reading below 70 mg/dL requires quick action, consuming 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates such as juice, regular soda, glucose tablets, or hard candy. Allow 15 minutes for your blood sugar to rise, then retest. If it remains low, repeat the 15-gram carb intake. Once your blood sugar reaches a stable level, follow up with a balanced snack or meal containing both carbohydrates and protein. In cases of severe hypoglycemia where someone is unconscious, a trained caregiver should administer a glucagon injection if available and urgently call for emergency medical assistance.

2. Outdoors - Always be prepared

Carry fast-acting carbs and monitor your blood sugar, especially around activity. Inform those around you about your diabetes and hypoglycemia signs. Plan snacks or medication adjustments for exercise and stick to regular mealtimes. Keep emergency numbers handy. If you become unconscious, ensure someone nearby knows to use glucagon (if available) and call for immediate help.

3. Supplement Smartly

Consider adding a Nutritionist Recommended, 100% Natural supplement like Actifiber Natural Sugar Control to help manage blood sugar fluctuations better. Actifiber Natural Sugar Control is Clinically Proven to give you Better Control over your Blood Sugar fluctuations in just 4 Weeks. Over the long term, ActiFiber also helps you overcome constant hunger & fatigue, and have sustained energy. Just add a sachet of ActiFiber to each of your main meals, it dissolves easily with no taste, odour or colour thus blending into your regular diet effortlessly.

4. Eat right & Get Expert Guidance for Better Health

Follow a practical, diabetes-friendly meal plan. You can download the Region specific Diet plan that has been designed by Nutritionist specifically for Diabetics. Need a personalized approach? Talk to our nutrition expert for personalized advice to help you stay healthier and keep blood sugar in control.

5. Take Medications & Monitor Regularly

If prescribed, take medications consistently and regularly monitor your blood sugar levels.

Click on the links below to know about to know how to manage blood sugar better

• 5 Easy Steps: How Lifestyle & Daily Routine Affect Blood Sugar
• Hba1c Test: What Is It and Why Is It Important?
• Eating Right For Sugar Control
  

Working closely with your doctor or diabetes educator to develop an individualized management plan is vital. By being informed and proactive, individuals with type 2 diabetes can significantly reduce their risk of hypoglycemia and maintain better overall health and well-being.