What is Hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia is what happens when your blood glucose levels are too low. Keeping blood glucose levels normal helps prevent damage to blood vessels and nerves in the body. This is the most common side effect of insulin use and of some oral medicines that are used to treat Type 2 diabetes.

But keeping blood glucose levels near normal can carry some risks. People who maintain "tight" blood glucose control are more likely to experience hypoglycemic episodes. Other risk factors include alcohol use, decreased kidney function, pregnancy in women with pre-existing diabetes, having autonomic neuropathy, and gastropathy (slow stomach emptying).

Frequent episodes of even mild hypoglycemia deplete the liver of stored glucose. Once liver stores are low, severe hypoglycemia is likely to develop and this can be harmful. In children, frequent severe hypoglycemia can lead to impairment of intellectual function. It can lead to accidents, and in adults with cardiovascular disease, it can lead to strokes and heart attacks.

Blood glucose levels vary throughout the day, depending on what you eat, how active you are, and any medications that you take. Hormone fluctuations can affect blood glucose levels as well. For people with diabetes, a blood glucose level of 70 mg/dl or less is considered low and should be treated.

Here are some Warning Signs:

* Lack of concentration
* Weakness
* Shakiness
* Hunger
* Clamminess
* Increased heart rate
* Change in vision
* Slurred speech
* Lack of coordination
* Headaches
* Drowsiness
* Dizziness
* Mood swings
* Nervousness
* Irritability
* Emotional changes (crying, becoming argumentative, euphoria)

If this condition is not treated right away with some form of sugar or glucose to bring your glucose level up, it can cause confusion, seizures, and unconsciousness. Some people do not experience any of the above warning signs. This can be dangerous because you can progress to confusion without realizing that you are having an episode.

If you manage your blood glucose levels with exercise and eating correctly, you are not at high risk of developing this problem. If you are on insulin or other medications, you are at risk. These are a few of the things that can cause an episode:

* Too much diabetes medicine
* Skipping or delaying a meal
* Increase in physical activity
* Increase in rate of insulin absorption
* Alcohol consumption

You will need to be aware that low blood glucose levels could occur as a result of some of the following incidents, and monitor your blood glucose levels closely.

Treatment

* Check your blood glucose level Click here to learn about the different Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems.
* If your levels are 70mg/dl or less, treatment is usually recommended - However this can vary among individuals.
* Consume 15 grams of carbohydrate and wait about 15 minutes, then re-check your blood glucose level with your meter
* Repeat if your levels are (below 80 mg/dl)
* If a person is confused, convulsing, or unconscious, immediate medical help is necessary.