All About Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is also commonly known as low blood sugar level which occurs when the blood sugar level drops below the normal level. This is common among people with diabetes. Glucose is distributed to the blood stream and cells. Insulin produced by the pancreas helps glucose enter the cell membrane. The excess glucose is stored in liver in the form of glycogen to be used later. This is used when the glucose level falls low. In case of diabetes patients, the insulin secretion is less and therefore glucose that goes through the cells is also less. This results in low blood sugar or hypoglycemia.

The symptoms of hypoglycemia are hunger, nervousness, drowsiness or sleepiness, loss of conscious, confusion, perspiration, dizziness, sweating, pale skin color, etc. This hypoglycemia may occur even at sleep with complications like nightmare, fatigue and delirium when waking up.

Hypoglycemia in diabetic people :

Hypoglycemia occurs in almost all diabetic people. This is mild and has little side effects, yet when treated leads to loss of consciousness. Hypoglycemia can be overcome immediately by bringing glucose to normal level and also taking in water and other carbohydrates foods, such as rice, potatoes, breads, milk, fruits, cereals, etc.,

Hypoglycemia occurs in people with diabetes since they undergo medication to reduce blood sugar levels. This may cause the blood sugar level to become too low. This has mild effect and when not treated leads to loss of consciousness.

Hypoglycemia in people without diabetes:

Hypoglycemia occurs in people without diabetes who consume too small or delayed snacks and meals. The blood sugar level is reduced due to increased activity such as exercise or other physical activities. Two types of hypoglycemia occurring in people without diabetes are reactive and fasting hypoglycemia.

Reactive hypoglycemia: The symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia occur within 4 hours after the meal. The blood glucose level may fall less than 70mg/dL at the time of occurrence and may become normal after taking food. This type of hypoglycemia can be overcome by taking food and snacks at an interval of 3 hours and also by taking in high fiber food and regular exercise.

The fasting hypoglycemia can be diagnosed only by undergoing tests of blood samples and the blood glucose level is less tan 50 mg/dL. This may be due to overnight fasting, more physical activities, etc., this can be overcome by taking food stuff regularly such as rice, grains, breads, cereals, etc., which are rich in carbohydrates.