What does it mean to be “hypoglycemic”? What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia that should be looked out for? How is it different from low blood sugar? How long can a person go without treatment before they risk adverse outcomes? Get answers to these questions and more in this article on hypoglycemia, including tips on how you can help someone with the condition.
What is hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia is a condition in which your blood sugar (glucose) levels are too low. It can occur when you skip a meal, exercise too hard, or drink alcohol. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include feeling shaky, sweating, heart racing, and hunger. If untreated, hypoglycemia in diabetics can lead to coma or even death.
If you think you or someone you know has hypoglycemia, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Treatment for hypoglycemia typically involves eating or drinking something sugary to raise your blood sugar levels quickly.
What causes hypoglycemia?
There are many potential causes of hypoglycemia, but the most common cause is diabetes. When you have diabetes, your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body to regulate blood sugar levels. If you have too much sugar in your blood, it can lead to serious health problems.
Other potential causes of hypoglycemia include: certain medications, such as beta blockers and some antidepressants; drinking too much alcohol; severe or prolonged stress; an infection or other illness; and surgery.
What are the risk factors for hypoglycemia?
There are a number of different factors that can increase your risk for developing hypoglycemia, including:
- Having diabetes
- Using insulin or other diabetes medications
- Drinking alcohol
- Participating in strenuous exercise
- Having an illness or infection
- Skipping meals
- Taking certain medications (such as steroids, beta blockers, or antipsychotics)
If you have diabetes, it’s important to monitor your blood sugar levels carefully and to always carry emergency glucose with you in case you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia. If you take medication that could potentially cause hypoglycemia, be sure to talk to our doctors about how to best manage your condition.
What are the complications for hypoglycemia?
There are a few potential complications that can occur if you have hypoglycemia. If your blood sugar levels drop too low, you may experience seizures or lose consciousness. This can be especially dangerous if you’re driving or operating machinery. Hypoglycemia can also lead to long-term complications if it’s not managed properly. Over time, it can damage your heart, nerves, and kidneys.
What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?
The symptoms of hypoglycemia can vary from person to person. Some people may experience only a few minor symptoms, while others may have a more severe reaction. The most common symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
- Feeling shaky or nervous
- Sweating
- Heart palpitations
- Hunger
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Weakness or fatigue
- Irritability or moodiness
- Confusion or difficulties concentrating
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to check your blood sugar levels right away. If your blood sugar levels are low, you should eat or drink something that will raise them quickly, such as glucose tablets, fruit juice, hard candy, or nonfat milk. For more information, consult our FAQs.
Can you be hypoglycemic and not diabetic?
Yes, you can be hypoglycemic and not diabetic. Hypoglycemia is a condition where your blood sugar levels are lower than normal. It can be caused by many things, including diabetes. However, you can also have hypoglycemia without having diabetes. In fact, anyone can develop hypoglycemia.
How is hypoglycemia diagnosed?
There are a few different ways that doctors can diagnose hypoglycemia. One way is to do a fasting blood sugar test. This involves not eating or drinking anything (except water) for at least 8 hours, then having your blood sugar levels checked. Another way to diagnose hypoglycemia is to monitor your blood sugar levels over time using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). This device measures your blood sugar levels every few minutes and gives you real-time results.
What should I do if someone is hypoglycemic?
If someone is hypoglycemic, it is important to raise their blood sugar levels as soon as possible. This can be done by giving the person sugar in the form of candy, fruit juice, or regular soda. In an emergency even just giving them a tablespoon of plain table sugar will help. It is also important to proceed to a nearby emergency room immediately if the person is unconscious or having a seizure.
Can hypoglycemia be prevented?
The answer to this question is both yes and no. There are certain things that you can do to help prevent hypoglycemia, but there is no guarantees that it will always be prevented. The best way to help prevent hypoglycemia is by following a healthy lifestyle and diet, maintaining a normal weight, and exercising regularly. If you have diabetes, it is also important to carefully monitor your blood sugar levels and take your medication as prescribed.
How EVA Teleconsult can help protect against Hypoglycemia
EVA Teleconsult is always ready to help with almost any chronic condition, including hypoglycemia. That’s because all of our patients always receive the following:
- Timely appointments – No more time wasted while waiting outside a doctor’s office. With us, appointments begin right when they’re supposed to, even if they’re made the same day.
- Guaranteed 30-minute consultation times – No more rushing or quickly dashed off prescriptions with no explanations. Our doctors take the time needed to give you information about your concerns, and are open to answering all your questions.
- 5-star ratings for our doctors – Because our doctors know to explain things in a way patients can understand, we frequently get positive feedback from them.
Get the treatment you or your loved one need and book an online consultation today.
