Hypoglycemia and Diabetes: Is there a link?

About Hypoglycemia

 

Blood sugar main source of energy. When a person has an abnormally low blood sugar level, their body’s ability to adequately function may be impaired as a result. This condition is called hypoglycemia, and it’s officially defined as a blood glucose level of below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

 

Very often, hypoglycemia occurs in people who suffer from diabetes. Let us understand the link between these two.

Hand holding a blood glucose meter measuring blood sugar, the background is a stethoscope and chart file

 

Symptoms

 

  • anxiety
  • heart palpitations
  • hunger
  • sweating
  • Blurred vision

 

It is important to measure your glucose level if you have any of these symptoms to know if they are caused by a blood glucose problem or another condition.

 

Causes

If you have diabetes, you may take insulins or consume drugs that will help your body lower your blood sugar level. In the event you take too much insulin relative to the amount of glucose in your bloodstream and experience a blood sugar level drop. This can cause hypoglycemia.

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Complications

Ignoring the symptoms of hypoglycemia can be dangerous. A lack of glucose may shut your brain down or leave you unconscious.

Untreated hypoglycemia can lead to:

 

  • loss of consciousness
  • seizure
  • death

 

 

Prevention

The solution to preventing a future problem like hypoglycemia is first by understanding what caused the issue in the first place and then carefully following your diabetes management plan.

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If you’re a caretaker for someone with diabetes who begins experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia, seek emergency help immediately.

 

https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/hypoglycemia#symptoms