When this happens, the brain and other organ systems lose the energy supply they need to function properly.
Serious and life-threatening symptoms of severe hypoglycemia include severe confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
Without emergency medical treatment, severe hypoglycemia can result in coma or death.
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Do Hypoglycemia Symptoms Mean Diabetes?
The most common cause of hypoglycemia isdiabetes, a condition characterized by abnormally high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).
High blood sugar remains elevated in people with diabetes due to the improper release of insulin from the pancreas.
Insulin is a hormone that controls the transport of sugar from the blood into muscles to use for energy.
This is more likely to occur from skipping dinner, exercising before bedtime, or drinking alcohol before bedtime.
What Is Reactive Hypoglycemia?
Reactive hypoglycemia, also called postprandial hypoglycemia, comes up whenever your blood sugar drops after eating.
It typically produces mild or no symptoms.
If symptoms are present, they typically resolve on their own as blood sugar levels return to normal.
The easiest at-home method involves pricking your finger and using aglucose monitorto calculate your blood sugar.
Alternatively, acontinuous glucose monitoring devicecan be used to provide blood sugar readings 24 hours a day.
If your hypoglycemia is mild, it can typically be treated by consuming a fast-digesting carbohydrate source.
If your blood sugar is still less than 70 mg/dL, repeat the steps.
After giving the injection, your friend or family member should call 911 for emergency medical treatment.
When Should You See a Healthcare Provider for Hypoglycemia?
Managing hypoglycemia will involve finding a balance between self-management and standard treatment with a healthcare provider.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia).
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Hypoglycemia: Nocturnal.
2021 Aug 2;12:684011. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2021.684011.
