According to statistics, approximately 537 million adults (20-79 years) are living with diabetes. In other words, each of us probably has family members, friends, or colleagues with this serious disease.
Since diabetes is associated with the inability of the body to properly regulate blood sugar levels, it is possible that glucose levels will drop sharply. It is extremely important to know the symptoms of this phenomenon in order to provide first aid in time.
Hypoglycemia is a condition in which blood sugar drops dangerously. It is extremely important to be able to recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia in order to help a person in time. We also note that hypoglycemia can also occur with active sports on the background of a low-carbohydrate diet.
Hypoglycemia – what is it?
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body cannot produce enough insulin or is unable to use it properly. Since insulin is responsible for the metabolism of carbohydrates, the disease is directly related to changes in blood sugar.
In the absence of insulin, the body’s cells cannot use glucose for fuel (type 1 diabetes) – leading to a dangerous rise in blood sugar. In turn, the loss of insulin sensitivity (typical of type 2 diabetes) leads to an overproduction of insulin, which can reduce sugar levels excessively.
In fact, hypoglycemia is a condition in which blood glucose levels drop to dangerously low levels. If hypoglycemia is not recognized in time and the sugar level is not normalized, there is a risk of loss of consciousness and even a direct danger to human life.
How does low blood sugar manifest itself?
Since hypoglycemia is characterized by low blood sugar levels, it first manifests itself in a feeling of weakness, dizziness, and nausea. A person may suddenly turn pale, and lose coordination of movements or the ability to respond to surrounding stimuli.
Hypoglycemia – symptoms:
- muscle weakness, drowsiness
- difficulty with speech
- dizziness and blurred vision
- increased irritability
- hunger
- loss of sense of reality
- convulsions
- increased sweating
- loss of consciousness
The danger lies in the fact that the presence of diabetes over a long period of time can lead to persistently low blood sugar levels – in this case, the symptoms of hypoglycemia can be much less pronounced, quickly reaching the stage of unconsciousness.
Why does it occur?
Hypoglycemia can manifest itself both due to excessive physical exertion (muscles use glucose as fuel, which can dangerously reduce its level), or due to emotional overload (adrenaline and cortisol can also lower blood sugar levels).
In addition, hypoglycemia is sometimes associated with an improper diet – excess food provokes the body to produce a lot of insulin, which can lead to a further drop in blood sugar. Plus, hypoglycemia can occur during fasting (which is why diabetics should not starve).
Hypoglycemia in healthy people
Symptoms of hypoglycemia can easily manifest themselves in people without diabetes – especially with prolonged physical exertion while following a strict low-carb diet. A person may suddenly turn pale or even lose consciousness.
It must be remembered that a sharp restriction of calorie intake, as well as adherence to a carbohydrate-free keto diet or intermittent fasting, has a number of contraindications – and can be prohibited even for people without diabetes.
Hypoglycemia – what to do?
If the person is experiencing visible symptoms of hypoglycemia but is still conscious (even if disoriented), help raise their blood sugar as quickly as possible by taking 15g of sugar or any fast carbohydrates.
Half a glass of fruit juice or 3-4 glucose tablets is a better choice – however, remember that carbohydrates in cookies, chocolate bars, and regular foods are associated with fats and proteins (in fact, this reduces their absorption rate).
If a person is already experiencing convulsions, does not respond to your speech, or has lost consciousness, do not try to force him to eat or drink anything. He may choke and lose the ability to breathe. Seek immediate medical attention.