An increase in blood sugar is considered a problematic condition for health. High sugar levels for a long time can also have negative effects on other body parts like eyes, heart, and kidneys. The problem of high sugar levels is often seen in people suffering from diabetes. But do you know, like increasing sugar, its low level can also cause big problems for you. Chronically low sugar levels can even lead to serious conditions like coma.
For most people, a morning fasting glucose level between 70 to 100 mg/dL is considered normal. However after meals, a level of 140 mg/dL or less is indicative of a normal sugar level. However, if your sugar level often remains less than 70 mg/dl then it is considered low sugar. This condition is called hypoglycemia.
This can be a serious sign for health.
Low sugar levels dangerous
Health experts say the problem of hypoglycemia is mostly seen in people taking treatment for diabetes, but anyone can be at risk of it. Hypoglycemia requires immediate treatment. If timely treatment is not received, there may be a risk of tremors, hardening of the jaws, loss of consciousness, and even coma.
This is why diabetic patients are advised to get their sugar checked at regular intervals.
Why does hypoglycemia occur?
Hypoglycemia occurs when your blood sugar (glucose) level falls too low for bodily functions to continue. Glucose is our main source of energy. Overdosage of diabetes medication, taking insulin along with other sugar-lowering measures can cause hypoglycemia. The problem of sudden drops in sugar levels due to drinking heavy amounts of alcohol without eating anything has also been seen.
If due to any disease the body starts producing insulin in excessive amounts, it can also result in hypoglycemia.
How to recognize symptoms of low sugar?
If the blood sugar level becomes too low, it increases the risk of many health problems. The patient may experience restlessness, sweating, irregular or rapid heartbeat, fatigue, irritability, tingling, or numbness in the body. Due to low sugar levels for a long time, problems like confusion, abnormal behavior, difficulty in speaking, and blurred vision also start occurring.
What to do if you have low sugar?
Health experts say, if hypoglycemia is undiagnosed or left untreated, the patient can suffer shock, coma, and even death.
If someone's sugar level suddenly decreases, then immediately give 15 to 20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates or sweet biscuits. Sugar can also be increased by fruit juice, soda, honey, or sweet candy. As soon as the symptoms get some relief, take the patient to the doctor immediately.
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