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How Low Is Low Blood Sugar


Low Blood Sugar Level Causes

Low Blood Sugar

Most low blood sugar level causes are preventable and are caused due to a persons lifestyle and diet habits. Low blood sugar is common among diabetic patients who take medications to increase insulin levels.

All of the above causes are risk factors that may or may not be able to be inhibited. They are important to be aware of and act accordingly to keep yourself from getting a too high or too low blood sugar level.

If a person has medical, lifestyle or diet habits that cause irregular blood sugar levels, symptoms will begin to develop along with the drop or spike in blood sugar, and are as follows:

Are There Any Newer Technologies To Prevent Hypoglycemia

We are lucky that in this day and age, we can predict hypoglycemia and prevent it through technology like continuous glucose monitors, explains Dr. Shah. Additionally, he notes that there are newer insulins available to help decrease episodes of hypoglycemia.


One of our roles as your doctor is to educate every patient about the self-management of diabetes and to create a personalized care plan, explains Dr. Shah. By self-managing your condition you will really feel empowered enough to take control of your health.

Dr. Shah is located at the Hackensack Meridian Health Medical Group Diabetes Center, part of Hackensack Meridian Health Medical Group. Call to schedule an appointment at the office in Old Bridge.

Our care network can help you better manage your health. Visit HMHMedicalGroup.org to find a practice near you.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

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Drink Water And Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water may help you keep your blood sugar levels within healthy limits.

In addition to preventing dehydration, it helps your kidneys flush out the excess sugar through urine.

One observational study showed that those who drank more water had a lower risk for developing high blood sugar levels (

90 ).

Its important to monitor your waistline, as its perhaps the most crucial weight-related factor for estimating your diabetes risk.


A measurement of more than 35 inches for women and more than 40 inches for men is associated with an increased risk of developing insulin resistance, high blood sugar levels, and type 2 diabetes .

Having a healthy waist measurement may even be more important than your overall weight .

Summary

Keeping a moderate weight and waistline will help you maintain normal blood sugar levels and decrease your risk for developing diabetes.

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S For Treating A Person With Symptoms Keeping Them From Being Able To Treat Themselves

  • If the glucagon is injectable, inject it into the buttock, arm or thigh, following the instructions in the kit. If your glucagon is inhalable, follow the instructions on the package to administer it into the nostril.
  • When the person regains consciousness , they may experience nausea and vomiting.
  • Dont hesitate to call 911. If someone is unconscious and glucagon is not available or someone does not know how to use it, call 911 immediately.

    Do NOT:


    • Inject insulin
    • Provide food or fluids

    What Happens If Blood Sugar Gets Too Low While Sleeping

    How to Deal With Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

    You may also feel signs of stress, such as nervousness, anxiety, and irritability. When blood sugar levels drop during the night, you may have nightmares, cry out during sleep, or other sleep disturbances. Lack of coordination, chills, clammy skin, and sweating can happen with low blood sugar.

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    Talk To Your Doctor Or Nurse

    If you use insulin and your blood sugar is frequently or consistently low, ask your doctor or nurse if you:

    • Are injecting your insulin the right way
    • Need a different type of needle
    • Should change how much insulin you take
    • Should change the kind of insulin you take

    DO NOT make any changes without talking to your doctor or nurse first.

    Sometimes hypoglycemia can be due to taking the wrong medicines. Check your medicines with your pharmacist.


    How Can I Prevent Hypoglycemic Episodes

    The key to preventing hypoglycemic events is managing diabetes:

    • Follow your healthcare providers instructions about food and exercise.
    • Track your blood sugar regularly, including before and after meals, before and after exercise and before bed.
    • Take all your medications exactly as prescribed.
    • When you do have a hypoglycemic event, write it down. Include details such as the time, what you ate recently, whether you exercised, the symptoms and your glucose level.

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    What Causes A Low Blood Sugar Level

    In people with diabetes, the main causes of a low blood sugar level are:

    • the effects of medicine especially taking too much insulin, medicines called sulfonylureas , medicines called glinides , or some antiviral medicines to treat hepatitis C
    • skipping or delaying a meal
    • not eating enough carbohydrate foods in your last meal, such as bread, cereals, pasta, potatoes and fruit
    • exercise, especially if it’s intense or unplanned
    • drinking alcohol

    Sometimes there’s no obvious reason why a low blood sugar level happens.

    Very occasionally, it can happen in people who do not have diabetes.


    Preventing Low Blood Sugar

    How to Handle Low Blood Sugar (Conditions A-Z)

    Preventing low blood sugar is better than having to treat it. Always have a source of fast-acting sugar with you.

    • When you exercise, check your blood sugar levels. Make sure you have snacks with you.
    • Talk to your provider about reducing insulin doses on days that you exercise.
    • Ask your provider if you need a bedtime snack to prevent low blood sugar overnight. Protein snacks may be best.

    DO NOT drink alcohol without eating food. Women should limit alcohol to 1 drink a day and men should limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day. Family and friends should know how to help. They should know:

    • The symptoms of low blood sugar and how to tell if you have them.
    • How much and what kind of food they should give you.
    • When to call for emergency help.
    • How to inject glucagon, a hormone that increases your blood sugar. Your provider will tell you when to use this medicine.

    If you have diabetes, always wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace. This helps emergency medical workers know you have diabetes.

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    Hypoglycemia Tests And Diagnosis

    To diagnose nondiabetic hypoglycemia, your doctor will do a physical exam and ask questions about any medicines you take. Theyâll want to know all about your health and any history of diseases or stomach surgery.


    Theyâll check your blood glucose level, especially when you are having symptoms. Theyâll also check to see if you feel better when your sugar goes back to a normal level.

    If your doctor suspects hypoglycemia, you may have to fast until you start to have symptoms. Theyâll test your blood glucose level at different times throughout the fast.

    To check for reactive hypoglycemia, you may have to take a test called a mixed-meal tolerance test . For this, you take a special drink that raises your blood glucose. The doctor will check your blood glucose levels over the next few hours.

    How Is Hypoglycemia Treated

    When your blood sugar levels are too low, eating something made of carbohydrates is key. If you have diabetes, try to keep high-carbohydrate snacks on hand.

    The American Diabetes Association recommends that your snack have at least 15 grams of carbohydrates. Some good snacks to keep on hand include:


    • glucose tablets
    • honey or table sugar
    • jelly beans or gum drops

    You also can take glucose tablets to rapidly raise your blood sugar if its low. These are available without a prescription. Its important to check how many grams are in each tablet before taking them. Aim to get 15 to 20 grams of carbohydrates.

    Wait 15 minutes after eating or taking a glucose tablet, and test your blood sugar again. If your blood sugar is not going up, eat another 15 grams of carbohydrates or take another dose of glucose tablets. Repeat this until your blood sugar level starts to rise.

    If your regularly scheduled meal is not for a while, eat a small snack after the low blood sugar episode.

    Be sure not to overeat! This could lead to blood sugar levels that are too high.

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    How Can I Prevent Insulin

    • Check your blood sugar regularly.
    • Know what causes low blood sugar.
    • Eat at regular mealtimes. Do not delay or skip meals and do not eat partial meals.
    • Take all medicines exactly as prescribed.
    • Check your blood sugar more often when you are exercising more or eating less, or when you are sick, according to your healthcare provider’s recommendations.
    • Keep your follow-up appointments with your provider.

    What Happens When Your Blood Sugar Drops To Zero

    Proven Tips &  Strategies To Bring High Blood Sugar Down ...

    Hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar, is a fall in blood sugar to levels below normal. This may result in a variety of symptoms, including clumsiness, trouble talking, confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, or death. Feelings of hunger, sweating, shakiness, or weakness may also be present.

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    What Is Hypoglycemia

    Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, can be a dangerous condition. Low blood sugar can happen in people with diabetes who take medications that increase insulin levels in the body. Sulfonylureas and insulin are both types of medications that can increase a persons insulin levels.

    Taking too much medication, skipping meals, eating less than normal, or exercising more than usual can lead to low blood sugar for these individuals.

    Blood sugar is also known as glucose. Glucose comes from food and serves as an important energy source for the body. Carbohydrates foods such as rice, potatoes, bread, tortillas, cereal, fruit, vegetables, and milk are the bodys main source of glucose.


    After you eat, glucose is absorbed into your bloodstream, where it travels to your bodys cells. A hormone called insulin, which is made in the pancreas, helps your cells use glucose for energy.

    If you eat more glucose than you need, your body will store it in your liver and muscles or change it into fat so it can be used for energy when its needed later.

    Without enough glucose, your body cannot perform its normal functions. In the short term, people who arent on medications that increase insulin have enough glucose to maintain blood sugar levels, and the liver can make glucose if needed.

    How To Treat It

    If you have hypoglycemia, you need to have food or a drink that is a fast-acting carbohydrate. Good sources include fruit juice, regular soda, glucose tablets, or glucose gel. A good rule of thumb is to eat or drink 15 grams of carbohydrate, wait 15 minutes, and then test your blood again. If your blood glucose is still lower than 70 mg/dl, take another 15 grams and test again 15 minutes later. Although you may feel like you want to eat more, be aware that eating too much can send your glucose too high.

    CARBS IN A HURRY

    There are about 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate in:


    • 4 ounces of juice or soda

    • 8 ounces of skim milk

    • 56 Life Savers candies

    If you use glucose tabs or gel, check the package, because doses vary from brand to brand.

    A person who passes out from hypoglycemia should not be given food or drink. Instead, he or she needs a shot of glucagon. If your health care provider thinks that you may be at risk of a severe low, you will be given a prescription for a glucagon kit, which you should have with you at all times. Your friends, family, and other people around you, like a coworker or coach, will need to learn how to give you a glucagon shot if you are unable to treat yourself. If you have a severe low and glucagon is not available, someone must call 911.

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    What Else Can You Do To Control Blood Sugar Levels

    Yes. People with diabetes should wear identification stating they have diabetes and whether they have recurrent low blood sugar. Those at risk for the health condition should be counseled on checking blood sugars before they drive a car, operate heavy machinery, or do anything physically taxing. In addition, it is important to carry a quick-acting glucose source at all times, and keep a source in their car, office, and by their bedside. Efforts should be made to minimize the hypoglycemic effects of drug regimens and to avoid variable surges in exercise, activity, and drinking alcohol.

    Tips For Healthful Living With Diabetes

    How To Treat Low Blood Glucose Levels

    Eat breakfast. Research shows that skipping breakfast can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by almost 30 percent, so its important to eat a healthy, high-fiber meal at least three times per day. According to the American Diabetes Association , you should include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in your breakfast.


    The other ways to manage diabetes is to eat a balanced diet, exercise, and keep blood sugar levels low. Diet plays an important role in preventing complications of diabetes. It can also help prevent some of the physical and emotional symptoms associated with the disease such as fatigue and depression.

    Exercise is important for those with diabetes as it can improve blood sugar control and overall health.

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    How To Recognize Hypoglycemia

    The first signs of hypoglycemia include feeling sweaty, shaky, and hungry. However, not everyone has these symptoms or notices them in time to prevent low blood sugar from getting worse. Its also important to know that your symptoms of hypoglycemia will change the longer you have T1D.

    As hypoglycemia gets worse, symptoms can include:

    • Feeling weak
    • Having difficulty walking or seeing clearly
    • Acting strange or getting disoriented
    • Having seizures

    Severe hypoglycemia may make you faint or pass out. This is dangerous if you are driving, climbing stairs, or doing other activities where you need to stay aware of things around you.

    Hypoglycemia can happen at night. If it does, you are likely to wake up, but its important not to rely on your body to wake you up. A continuous glucose monitor, or CGM, can alert you and those around you with an alarm to let you know if your blood sugar starts getting low while you are sleeping.

    Its a good idea to check your blood sugar often when lows are likely, such as in hot weather or when you travel. Your CGM can also let you know when your blood sugar is getting lower.

    Watch out for hypoglycemia unawareness.

    You might not have early warning signs of low blood sugar. This is called hypoglycemia unawareness, and it raises the risk of having severe lows. It is more likely if:

    • You have had diabetes longer than 5 or 10 years
    • You have frequent episodes of hypoglycemia
    • You take certain medicines, such as beta blockers for high blood pressure

    Easy Ways To Lower Blood Sugar Levels Naturally

    High blood sugar occurs when your body doesnt make enough or effectively use insulin, a hormone that regulates blood glucose and helps it enter your cells for energy.

    High blood sugar is associated with diabetes.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 13% of U.S. adults live with diabetes, and 34.5% have prediabetes (

    This means close to 50% of all U.S. adults have diabetes or prediabetes.

    Here are 15 easy ways to lower blood sugar levels naturally:

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    The Dangers Of Low Blood Glucose

    At some time, most people with diabetes experience the sweating and shakiness that occurs when blood glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dl a condition known as hypoglycemia. The average person with type 1 diabetes may experience symptoms of low blood glucose up to two times a week. However, not all are aware that these symptoms can rapidly progress to seizures, coma and even death if hypoglycemia is severe. Though hypoglycemia can be common and occur repeatedly in some people with diabetes, symptoms of low blood glucose should always be taken seriously. People with diabetes and their families, friends or coworkers should be prepared to act quickly and responsibly at the earliest signs of low blood glucose.

    What Are Some Tips To Prevent Nighttime Blood Sugar Level Dips

    Hypoglycemia low blood sugar symptoms
  • Check your level before bed. According to Sulay Shah, M.D., a board certified endocrinologist, the only way to know if you are at risk is to monitor your blood glucose levelsas there arent always telltale signs.If you check and you notice that your levels are close to 70 mg/dL at bedtime, then you know you might be at risk, Dr. Shah says. In this case, he recommends eating some complex carbohydrates, like a peanut butter sandwich, an apple with peanut butter or one slice of multigrain toast with some avocado.
  • Dont skip dinner. If you arent eating dinner, Dr. Shah advises skipping your rapid-acting insulin or medicine, like glipizide or glimepiride, that can decrease your blood sugar levels. The goal here is to match your meal and medication, he says.
  • Monitor your alcohol intake. If you notice that your blood sugar is dropping after having a few beers or vodka sodas, then Dr. Shah warns that you may need to try to eat complex carbohydrates with the alcohol. Dr. Shah notes that blood sugar tends to drop 3 to 4 hours after drinking alcohol. When you regularly drink alcohol, you are decreasing the amount of stored glucose in the liver which helps to maintain a blood sugar in normal range, he explains.
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