Do You Have these Low Sugar Symptoms?
Have you been experiencing some changes lately but not sure what those are? Your body may be displaying low sugar symptoms.
Hypoglycemia, a condition referred to commonly as low blood sugar, occurs in your body when the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood dips below the normal levels. As glucose is a vital source of energy in the human body, having this condition may affect the functioning of your muscles and brain cells owing to the lack of sufficient energy. In most people, the onset of hypoglycemia means that their blood sugar level is below 70 mg/dl. Low blood sugar is usually found in people who have diabetes, and it can happen even if you are taking care to manage the disease.
Having low blood sugar levels in your body can lead to other health complications, both short-term and long-term. If left untreated, hypoglycemia can cause clumsiness, confusion, and fainting spells, while long-term complications of the condition include coma, seizures, and even death. This condition can occur quite suddenly, leaving you confused and worried. Here are some of the low sugar symptoms that you need to know and keep an eye out for.
Extreme hunger : Have you been noticing that you have been feeling hungry even though you might have just eaten? It may be one of the low sugar symptoms that you are experiencing. You may feel ravenous hunger at all times, or suddenly feel like you are starving. This is an indication that your body needs more glucose. You can promptly treat this low sugar symptom by having four ounces of fruit, two tablespoons of raisins, or some hard candy.
Shakiness and tremors : This is one of the low sugar symptoms that may seem unrelated to the condition, but the fact is that the central nervous system in your body starts to malfunction when your glucose levels are not present in the required quantity. As a result of low blood sugar, the nervous system releases certain chemicals that promotes glucose production. That is when you start experiencing symptoms like shakes.
Anxiety or nervousness : When the glucose levels in your blood fall way below the normal level, your body sends signals to the adrenal glands to release the hormone epinephrine (also known as adrenaline), which in turn asks your liver to produce more sugar. This causes an adrenaline rush and makes you feel nervous.
Restlessness at night : There are some low sugar symptoms that can occur during your sleep, and a feeling of restlessness is one of them. This is known as nocturnal hypoglycemia, and the signs may include nightmares, night sweats, episodes of waking suddenly and crying out, and confusion upon waking up.
Feeling dizzy or light-headed : As these low sugar symptoms also occur due to other reasons, you may tend to ignore them, but it is important that you treat them at the earliest. Feeling dizzy can cause you to faint, and this can often be dangerous if you are out on a busy street or somewhere alone. If you feel any of these low sugar symptoms, sit or lie down immediately to avoid passing out and potentially injuring yourself.
Sweating: Another of the low sugar symptoms that you may not relate with hypoglycemia, excessive perspiration is usually one of the first signs of the condition. It can come on without any warning, and irrespective of how the weather is.
Emotional instability and confusion: The onset of mood swings, sudden emotional outbursts, and a strong desire to be left alone at times may also be low sugar symptoms, so do not ignore these signs, especially if it is not your normal behavior pattern. In addition, you may also find it difficult to focus on something and experience a sense of confusion.
Monitoring your glucose levels regularly and seeking prompt treatment in case you notice any low sugar symptoms can help you prevent hypoglycemia and reduce its symptoms. In addition, being aware of the different low sugar symptoms can be quite effective, as you can immediately pick up on the signs and work towards treating it, thus keeping the condition from worsening further.