Posted On Dec 24, 2019
Manipal Hospitals
Glucose refers to the blood sugar that circulates in the body. Being the primary source of energy, it drives the metabolism of the body and provides us with gobs of energy for various day-to-day activities. The levels of blood sugar are regulated by insulin, a hormone that allows the body to utilize the sugar from the food consumed. To prevent blood glucose levels from dropping too low, the body produces a hormone called glucagon, which stimulates the conversion of stored glycogen in the blood. Thus, a perfect balance between intake and utilization is maintained.
Sugar consumption can be reduced through a low-carb diet along with optimal exercise. An increase in insulin levels or enhanced insulin sensitivity, results in a condition known as low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. It often follows careless diabetes management. Reactive hypoglycemia is another subtype of recurrent hypoglycemic attacks where carbohydrate ingestion leads to an acute hypoglycemic episode.
Low blood sugar is characterized by acute anxiety, sweating, and dizziness. As the blood sugar continues to drop, symptoms such as palpitations and shakiness start developing. When the brain is deprived of glucose, it gives rise to confusion, emotional instability, fainting, and stupor, requiring immediate medical attention. If not properly attended to, it may lead to coma and ultimately death in severe cases.
It is evident now, that a patient suffering from hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, requires immediate attention. The following are a few steps that may help you save lives:
Thus, it is important to know these tips, which might seem easy to execute but are crucial in saving lives. It is recommended for diabetics to carry some sweet juices or biscuits for any such emergency. Try not to leave your home if your blood sugar is below 100mg/dL. But, if you have to leave, make sure to consume a snack before leaving, to prevent hypoglycemic episodes. In order to find the root cause of your hypoglycemia and treat it effectively, consider consulting a diabetic specialist.