What is Hypoglycemia + Prevention Strategies

You have likely heard about low blood sugar in connection with a lack of energy or a nagging headache, but low blood sugar can also lead to a number of serious health conditions.

Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar, also called low blood glucose or hypoglycemia, is when the level of glucose in your blood is drops below a healthy level, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Hypoglycemia is most common among individuals who have type 1 diabetes, who are 65 or older, take insulin or other diabetes medications and those who have health conditions like kidney disease, heart disease or a cognitive impairment like memory loss.

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

Signs of low blood glucose can vary depending on how severe your blood sugar levels have dropped.

If your blood glucose level has dropped to a mild or moderate level, you may experience:

• Shakes or jitters
• Hunger
• Tiredness
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, or feel irritable
• Your heart beating too fast or not steadily
• Headache
• Trouble seeing or speaking clearly

Severe hypoglycemia can result in loss of consciousness and/or seizures and needs to be treated immediately.

How to Prevent Hypoglycemia

Depending on the cause of your low blood glucose, there are different prevention options for hypoglycemia.

If you have type 1 diabetes, it's important that you regularly check your blood glucose levels using a blood glucose meter.

Sticking to a regular eating schedule and meal plan can also help prevent low blood glucose. Keeping a snack or juice with you at all times can also help get you to your next meal if you begin feeling mild symptoms. EvergreenHealth nutritionists are available to help you develop a meal plan that works for you.

You should also be extra vigilant before, during and after any physical exercise as this can drive your blood glucose level down. Consider eating a snack before any strenuous physical activity.

Consult your doctor to manage your blood glucose levels. EvergreenHealth's Diabetes & Endocrinology Care experts are here to help you treat your diabetes and any related conditions.

There are diabetes medications as well as emergency medicines that can help. For instance, if your loved one loses consciousness from low blood sugar and they carry a prescription glucagon injection, you can use this to quickly bring their blood glucose levels up.

No matter what, you should contact emergency services if you or a loved experiences any symptoms of severe low blood glucose levels.