Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, is a medical condition in which the blood glucose or sugar level is lower than 70mg/dL. It primarily affects people with type-1 diabetes. Hypoglycemia can turn out to be serious for a person if left untreated.
Thus, frequent monitoring of blood sugar levels is considered crucial, and getting proper medical advice from a medical professional for hypoglycemia treatment is recommended.
What are the Possible Causes of Low Blood Sugar Levels?
A wide range of problems and daily food habits can cause hypoglycemia. Some of the most generalized causes of low blood sugar are:
- Improper diet management
- Consumption of alcohol and drugs
- Intense workout and stress
- Taking high doses of insulin
- Disturbed insulin dosage
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Going through puberty
What are the Symptoms of Hypoglycemia?
A person with low blood sugar doesn’t show symptoms early. Usually, it is recommended to closely review blood sugar levels every three months to avoid severe ailments. Symptoms of this condition include, however:
- High pulse rate
- Increased sweating
- Anxiety
- Irritation and dizziness
- Frequent hunger pangs
- Shaking of hands and legs
- Blurred vision
- Weakness and headache
A person with hypoglycemia can have an increased heart rate, leading to major concerns, such as sudden shaking of hands and dizziness. Therefore, it is important to take consultation and medication as soon as the symptoms are observed. An expert like a BP specialist can provide the right medicines for low blood pressure treatment.
How to Manage Low Blood Sugar Levels
Low blood sugar levels need to be managed through medical guidance to avoid complications and risk factors. An individual with serious hypoglycemia symptoms is advised to frequently monitor his or her glucose level over specific periods, such as:
- Every morning, before having any drink or meal
- Two hours before and after having a meal
- Before going to bed
If a person is suffering from low sugar levels, it is recommended to carry sugar-based candies or chocolates. If the blood sugar level is below 70mg/dL while monitoring at an interval of 15 minutes, eat some chocolate or high-sugar snacks to normalize the level. In case the sugar level is still low, consult a bp specialist for low bp treatment.
What is the 15-15 Rule?
Individuals can follow the 15-15 rule for blood sugar levels between 55 mg/dL and 69 mg/dL. In this rule, a person intakes 15 grams of carbohydrates, and after 15 minutes, the person checks his or her blood sugar level. If the sugar level still remains low, another serving of carbohydrates is had until it comes to the level of 70 mg/dL. Once the appropriate level is reached, the person can have a normal nutritious meal to ensure a constant blood sugar level. These carbohydrate meals consist of various foods, such as:
- Sugar-based candies
- Glucose tablets
- Juices and syrups
An individual should keep several factors in mind before applying the 15-15 rule.
- Consult a doctor before starting the 15-15 rule so that it doesn’t weaken the effects of the hypoglycemia medications given by the doctor.
- One should monitor levels after 15 minutes of consuming the carbohydrates, as it takes time for glucose levels to elevate in the blood.
- Avoid having 15 grams of carbohydrate with any fiber or fat content, as fiber or fat slow down the carbohydrate breakdown process.
- If the affected individual is a child, the carbohydrate intake should be lower than 15 grams.
Can Home Remedies Improve Hypoglycemia?
Taking natural home remedies along with medication can help manage hypoglycemia.
- An individual can take natural peanut butter without sugar if his or her blood sugar level is 80 mg/dL.
- If an individual has a sugar level of 70- 80 mg/dL, he or she can have peanut butter and any form of starchy foods, such as crackers.
- If the blood sugar concentration is between 55 and 70 mg/dL, the person can consume raisins, Medjool dates, applesauce, bananas, grapes, and pineapples. These fruits contain natural sugar and only a small amount of fiber and quickly increase the blood sugar level.
- If the blood sugar level is less than 55 mg/dL, one can have 100% pure grape juice, maple juice, or honey, as they contain glucose, which elevates the blood sugar level.
- If a person feels hypoglycemic even while having normal blood sugar levels, he or she needs to check his or her blood pressure and get low blood pressure treatment. Low blood pressure can also lead to hypoglycemia.
What is the Immediate Action for Severely Low Blood Sugar Levels?
Severely low blood sugar is determined when the person has a blood sugar level lower than 55 mg/dL. In this case, hypoglycemic symptoms could be severe and remain uncontrollable despite undergoing any of the natural treatments. The individual should call for emergency help and consult a doctor immediately.
Many hospitals have personalized systems to deal with diabetic and hypoglycemic emergencies. For example, when having severely low blood sugar levels, the person is provided with a glucagon solution under medical care and frequent rounds of sugar level monitoring. If you are from Coimbatore or any nearby area, you can consult a Sugar Specialist in Coimbatore.
Conclusion
Low blood sugar levels or hypoglycemic conditions could be dangerous for an individual. Therefore, proper medical care and nutritional advice are recommended by experts. Simple home remedies can dilute blood sugar levels without medication at an early stage.
