Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar) in Diabetes

Hypoglycaemia occurs when Blood Glucose levels drop excessively. It is the result of excess Insulin in the blood. The Blood Sugar level is expressed as millimoles per litre (mmol/l) and if it falls below the level of 3.0 mmol/l, it results in Hypoglycaemia. Low Blood Glucose levels cause many symptoms like dizziness, sweating, shaking and palpitations. These usually disappear after restoring blood sugar levels.

Symptoms of Hypoglycaemia include

1. Perspiration
2. Shaking
3. Feeling of weakness
4. Paleness
5. Rapid heartbeat
6. Hunger
7. Agitation
8. Difficulty concentrating
9. Irritability
10. Agitation
11. Blurred vision
12. Fatigue
13. Confusion
14. Temporary loss of consciousness
15. Convulsions
16. Coma

Most of the times, Diabetic patients do get the signs of approaching Hypoglycaemia, but sometimes it may cause few or no symptoms at all. It may happen suddenly and Patient may face unconsciousness or convulsions, particularly if the Diabetes is for many years.

Hypoglycaemia can occur if the dose of Insulin or Diabetes tablets is higher than what your Blood Sugar levels require. Hypoglycaemia can happen if you accidentally happen to take too much of your medication. If you eat less than usual, there is a risk of not getting enough energy from food and this tends to lower blood sugar levels immediately. Alcohol has the tendency to reduce blood sugar level too.

Hypoglycemia occurs in patients with diabetes and rarely without Diabetes. Diabetes is a lifelong disease that shows high levels of sugar in blood. There are different types of Diabetes. It is the Pancreas that releases the hormone called Insulin that controls blood sugar. Too little Insulin, resistance to Insulin or both is the sure cause of Diabetes.

People with Diabetes need to monitor their Blood Glucose level regularly. You can do a proper blood test periodically to do a thorough blood glucose level check. There are many devices available in the market that give a tiny prick on your finger and need just a drop of blood. These help you to monitor your glucose levels many times a day or daily or before meals and after meals. You can check your blood sugar level especially after an exercise. You can carry an Identity card that gives your name, number and contact person’s number in emergency and of course information about your Diabetes.

Follow your dietician’s advice regarding diet and eat a small portion of some healthy snacks if there is a lot of time gap for the next meal. This will prevent sugar levels from dropping too sharply.

For many Diabetic people there is a risk of sleeping through a low blood sugar level. To avoid this you can have a snack before you go to bed. This will prevent you from waking up with a headache or feeling irritable.

Hypoglycaemia is easily treatable and becomes dangerous only when the glucose levels are beyond acceptable safety levels as the principal source of energy for the brain is glucose.

You can treat Hypoglycaemia by drinking or eating sweetened juice, milk or glucose tablets. If it is more serious, call the ambulance immediately and the Paramedics will administer glucose intravenously.