Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) – causes, symptoms and first aid

Hypoglycemia, also called hypoglycemia, is a condition in which blood glucose levels drop below normal, which can lead to serious health complications.In this article, we will discuss what exactly hypoglycemia is, its different types, symptoms, causes, and how to provide first aid in the event of hypoglycemia.

Hypoglycemia – what is it?

Hypoglycemia is a condition in which the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood falls below the reference values.For most people, this means a glucose level of less than 70 mg/dL.This condition can occur in people with diabetes, but also in healthy people.This is a situation in which the body does not receive enough glucose, which is necessary for the proper functioning of the brain and other organs.

Hypoglycemia – types

There are several types of hypoglycemia, the most common of which are:

• Reactive hypoglycemia– occurs after eating a meal, especially one rich in carbohydrates, and the blood sugar level drops rapidly.
• Reactive hypoglycemia after exercise– may occur in people after intense exercise, when the body uses more glucose than it can produce.
• Nocturnal hypoglycemia– occurs at night, most often in people with type 1 diabetes, and may lead to nightmares and agitations.
• Idiopathic hypoglycemia– occurs in people without a clear cause and is often difficult to diagnose.

Symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

Symptoms of hypoglycemia can vary and vary depending on the degree of drop in blood sugar levels. The most common symptoms are:

• Pale skin
• Cold sweats
• Chills
• Anxiety
• Irritation
• Hands shaking
• Hunger
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Tiredness
• Hypoglycemic coma (in case of severe hypoglycemia)

Causes of hypoglycemia

There are many causes of hypoglycemia, some of them include:

• Too much insulin or other antidiabetic medicines
• Delaying or skipping a meal
• Intense physical exercise without adequate carbohydrate supplementation
• Alcohol
• Hormonal disorders
• Liver or kidney disease
• Pregnancy

First aid for symptoms of hypoglycemia. how to deal with low blood sugar?

If hypoglycemia is suspected or its symptoms occur, you should act quickly and effectively:

1. Protect the person from possible injury if they lose consciousness or have difficulty maintaining balance.
2. Check your blood sugar levels if possible.
3. Give the person a source of glucose, such as a sweet drink, chocolate, or a carbohydrate-rich food.
4. If the person is conscious and able to eat, encourage him or her to eat a meal containing carbohydrates.
5. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention immediately.

How to prevent low blood sugar?

To avoid hypoglycemia, it is worth following a few simple rules:

• Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly, especially if you have diabetes.
• Make sure you eat regular meals and avoid skipping them.
• Adjust the doses of antidiabetic medications according to your doctor’s recommendations.
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
• During intense physical exercise, provide a source of glucose, e.g. sweet energy bars.

Your suggestions

Always remember that each case of hypoglycemia may be different, so it is important to consult your doctor to properly manage your diabetes or other conditions that may lead to hypoglycemia. It is also worth learning to recognize symptoms and react in emergency situations.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in the topic of diabetes and its complications, we recommend reading articles about the proper diet for people with diabetes, techniques for monitoring blood sugar levels and the latest achievements in the treatment of diabetes.

It’s also worth consulting a doctor or diabetologist to get personalized advice and a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.