What is low blood sugar?
Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, occurs when blood sugar levels drop below 3.9 mmol/L. For people with diabetes, it can be a familiar condition, especially if they are taking insulin or other blood sugar lowering medication. But it can also affect others, such as skipping meals, exercising intensely without eating, or drinking alcohol without consuming food.
When blood sugar levels drop, the body lacks the fuel to function normally. The brain is particularly sensitive to low sugar levels, which is why symptoms can range from physical discomfort to mental and cognitive disturbances.
Common symptoms of low blood sugar
When blood sugar levels drop, the body reacts with different symptoms. They can vary from person to person, but typically you will experience:
- Sweating tendency
- Tremors
- Hunger
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations
- Headaches
When should you pay extra attention?
Symptoms may be mild at first, but if you ignore them, they can worsen quickly. Especially people who have had diabetes for many years may experience fewer warning signs, making it even more important to test your blood sugar regularly.
How to spot low blood sugar
The symptoms of low blood sugar can vary from person to person, but some signs are common. Many people experience a sudden and intense hunger that can feel almost insatiable. At the same time, you may get sweaty hands, start shaking or feel dizzy.
Palpitations are also common as the body tries to compensate for the lack of energy by pumping blood faster. Some people also experience headaches, which can be sharp or throbbing and don't always go away even after blood sugar levels have stabilized.
Mental symptoms - when the brain lacks fuel
When blood sugar levels drop, it can affect your brain function. Suddenly you may feel confused and find it hard to concentrate. For some, it can seem like they're thinking in slow motion and ordinary tasks can feel overwhelming.
Irritability is also a classic symptom. Small things can seem unmanageable and you may react more aggressively or emotionally than usual. In some cases, low blood sugar can lead to slurred speech, which can make those around you think you're intoxicated - when in fact you're just lacking sugar in your blood.
Low blood sugar affects the brain, which can lead to:
- Confusion and confusion
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Slurred speech
- Unusual behavior
Does it look like alcohol influence?
Yes, sometimes the symptoms of low blood sugar can be mistaken for being drunk. This can be dangerous if those around you don't understand the situation.
When does low blood sugar occur?
There are several situations where blood sugar levels can drop too much. If you have diabetes and have taken too much insulin in relation to the food you have eaten, it can quickly lead to hypoglycemia.
Physical activity is another factor. When you exercise hard, your muscles use more sugar and if you don't adjust your diet or medication, blood sugar levels can drop significantly.
Meals also play an important role. If you skip a meal or eat less than usual, your blood sugar can drop to a critical level. Alcohol can also increase the risk of low blood sugar, especially if consumed without food.
How to manage low blood sugar
If you experience symptoms of low blood sugar, it's important to act quickly. Start by sitting down and stopping what you're doing. Eat or drink something that can raise your blood sugar quickly - for example, a glass of juice, a sugary soda or a few pieces of dextrose.
After about 10-15 minutes you should measure your blood sugar again. If the level is still low, repeat the treatment. Once your blood sugar has stabilized, you may want to eat a small meal that contains both protein and carbohydrates. This will help keep your blood sugar levels stable for longer.
When should you contact your doctor?
If you frequently experience low blood sugar levels, it may be a sign that your medication dose needs to be adjusted. Your doctor can help you assess whether your diabetes treatment needs to be adjusted.
It's also important to contact your doctor if you have difficulty noticing the symptoms of low blood sugar. This phenomenon is called "hypoglycemia unconsciousness" and can be particularly dangerous as you risk losing consciousness without warning.
What do your relatives need to know?
If you have diabetes or frequently experience low blood sugar, it's a good idea to inform your loved ones about how they can help you in an emergency situation. Explain how they can recognize the symptoms and what to do if you become confused, lose consciousness or can't feed yourself.
Many people with diabetes carry a glucagon pen that loved ones can use to raise blood sugar levels in an emergency. Having a clear plan and training your loved ones on how to respond can be life-saving.
When low blood sugar becomes acute
In rare cases, low blood sugar can lead to seizures or unconsciousness. If this happens, those around you should call an ambulance immediately. It is important not to attempt to give food or drink if the person is unconscious, as this can lead to choking.
A glucagon pen can be a lifesaver in such cases, but only if your loved ones know how to use it. If you have diabetes, you should always inform them where you keep the glucagon pen and how to use it.