A blood sugar crash refers to a sudden drop in blood sugar (glucose) levels.
While anyone can experience hypoglycemia, its more common in people withdiabetes.
This article explains what a blood sugar crash is.
VioletaStoimenova / Getty Images
VioletaStoimenova / Getty Images
What Is a Blood Sugar Crash?
It typically occurs in response to an imbalance ofinsulinand glucose.
When working properly, the pancreas releases the right amount of insulin in response to sugar and carbohydrate intake.
However, this process can go awry.
A low blood sugar level triggers the release ofepinephrine, also known as adrenaline, the fight-or-flight hormone.
It is what can cause the symptoms of hypoglycemia.
What Does a Blood Sugar Crash Feel Like?
Each person may react to hypoglycemia differently.
This can lead to blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, confusion, slurred speech, numbness, and drowsiness.
Studies have shown that people are unaware of the symptoms and seriousness of hypoglycemia.
Unfortunately, blood sugar crashes can happen for reasons out of your control.
It helps slowly bring blood sugar levels up.
Its never a good idea to start bingeing on sugar to raise blood sugar levels.
This can backfire by causing the blood sugar to spike.
If its still below 70 mg/dL, have another serving.
Keep track of your symptoms and low blood sugar episodes and tell your healthcare provider.
Prevention
Monitoring your blood sugar is the tried and true method for preventing hypoglycemia.
What Is a Continuous Glucose Monitor?
Besides a glucometer, you could also monitor your blood sugar with a continuous glucose monitor.
These monitors help prevent surprise highs or lows in blood sugar and address them quickly.
They may occur for various reasons.
There are two types of non-diabetic hypoglycemia: reactive hypoglycemia and fasting hypoglycemia.
Reactive hypoglycemia, also called postprandial hypoglycemia, happens after a meal, typically a few hours later.
For example, if you have a tumor that is causing your hypoglycemia, you may need surgery.
If a medicine is the cause, switching to a different medication can help.
To treat your symptoms immediately, eat or drink 15 grams of carbohydrates.
A reactive hypoglycemia episode may be a sign the person has or may develop diabetes.
You should discuss it with your healthcare provider to determine your next steps.
By making small tweaks to your diet, you’re free to help avoid hypoglycemia.
Another prevention tip is carrying a snack with you that can be used to raise your blood sugar.
These snacks can include a handful of nuts, a hardboiled egg, or air-popped popcorn.
Summary
People with diabetes and those without can both experience sugar crashes, but for different reasons.
American Diabetes Association.Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
2014;31(1):92-101. doi:10.1111/dme.12261
Hormone Health data pipe.Non-diabetic hypoglycemia.
