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Hypoglycaemia: Challenges, Reasons and Solutions

by IBD Medical on March 24, 2023

What is Hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia is a medical condition that occurs when the blood glucose level drops below normal levels. This can happen due to various reasons such as excessive physical activity, lack of food, medication side effects, or underlying medical conditions like diabetes. Hypoglycemia can cause a range of symptoms including shakiness, confusion, dizziness, and fatigue, which can be mild or severe and lead to serious complications if left untreated. The treatment of hypoglycemia typically involves consuming sugary foods or glucose-containing drinks, or administering medication. Proper management and prevention of hypoglycemia are crucial for people with diabetes or other medical conditions that can cause low blood sugar.

What causes Hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia is a medical condition characterised by low blood sugar levels. It is a common problem among individuals with diabetes but can also occur in people without diabetes under certain circumstances. In order to understand hypoglycaemia, it is important to know how blood sugar is regulated in the body.

Blood sugar, or glucose, is the main source of energy for our cells. After a meal, glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream and travels to cells in the body to be used as fuel. To regulate glucose levels, the hormone insulin is released from the pancreas. Insulin acts like a key, allowing glucose to enter cells. When there is too much glucose in the bloodstream, insulin signals the liver to store excess glucose as glycogen. When glucose levels in the bloodstream drop, such as between meals or during exercise, insulin signals the liver to release glucose back into the bloodstream.

Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels fall too low, usually below 70 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL) which is 3.9 millimoles per liter. This can occur for several reasons, including taking too much insulin, skipping a meal, delaying a meal, drinking alcohol, or engaging in intense physical activity. When blood sugar levels fall too low, the body does not have enough energy to function properly. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including shakiness, sweating, confusion, dizziness, headache, blurred vision, and fatigue. In severe cases, hypoglycaemia can cause seizures, loss of consciousness, or coma.

Individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk for hypoglycemia because they rely on insulin injections or oral medications to regulate their blood sugar levels. When they take too much insulin or miss a meal, their blood sugar levels can drop too low. People with type 1 diabetes are especially susceptible to hypoglycemia because they cannot produce insulin on their own.

 

How to deal with the situation?

Treatment for hypoglycemia involves quickly raising blood sugar levels. This can be done by consuming fast-acting sources of glucose, such as glucology glucochews fruit juice, candy, or glucose gel. It is important to follow up with a small meal or snack to prevent hypoglycemia from happening again.

Prevention of hypoglycemia is key for individuals with diabetes. This can be done by monitoring blood sugar levels regularly, especially before and after physical activity, and making adjustments to insulin doses as needed. It is also important to have a consistent meal and snack schedule and to carry fast-acting sources of glucose with them at all times.

In addition to individuals with diabetes, people without diabetes can also develop hypoglycemia, especially if they are fasting for long periods of time or engaging in intense physical activity. This can be a concern for athletes, bodybuilders, and individuals following low-carb diets. It is important for these individuals to monitor their blood sugar levels and consume sufficient amounts of carbohydrates to prevent hypoglycaemia.

To summarize for people managing diabetes it is important to monitor blood sugar levels, have a consistent meal and snack schedule, and carry fast-acting sources of glucose to prevent hypoglycaemia. If symptoms of hypoglycaemia occur, it is important to quickly raise blood sugar levels and seek medical attention if necessary.

 

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Please remember, it is important to consult with a doctor or diabetes healthcare professional for personalised advice and guidance on how to manage diabetes. 

Remember to always seek advice from your medical practitioner before changing anything about your diabetes management. The above information is not medical advice.

Welcome to Glucology by IBD Medical !

It all began in 2016 when our founder wanted to make daily life easier by simplifying diabetes management. He realised that IBD Medical had the potential to ease the burden of people living with diabetes and empower them. This was when Glucology was born in 2017 in Sydney, Australia.

Glucology was created by IBD Medical and designed to provide stylish, discrete and innovative solutions for people living with diabetes. It gives people access to a bespoke line of support products at an affordable price.

 

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