People with diabetes suffer from the condition of hyperglycemia also referred to as high blood sugar. So how can someone with this condition ever suffer from the exact opposite: low blood sugar or hypoglycemia? Believe it or not, this happens with people who have diabetes because their’s an imbalance between their medication, diet, and lifestyle.
Blood Sugar Levels
Hypoglycemia in medical terms is when the body’s blood sugar drops below 70 milligrams per deciliter. For comparison sake, a normal blood sugar level before eating is anywhere between 72 to 108 milligrams per deciliter. People who have high blood sugar or diabetes have a high blood sugar level even when they are not eating because the body is unable to produce enough insulin to break down the sugar in the blood.
How Hypoglycemia Can Occur in Diabetics
In order for diabetics to help break down sugar in the blood, they usually take pills to help stimulate the pancreas to create more insulin (typically type 2 diabetics) or take insulin injections (type 1 or type 2 diabetics). In the event that they inject too much insulin, this can create a drop in blood sugar causing hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia might also occur if a diabetic skips a meal or exercises too hard. Both of these things natural decrease blood sugar and coupled with insulin can cause the blood sugar to drop.
Warning Signs of Hypoglycemia
If diabetic hypoglycemia is untreated it can lead to seizures or unconsciousness. This is why it’s important to monitor your blood sugar regularly as well as know the early warning signs to prevent hospitalization. Early warning signs include:
- Shakiness
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Moodiness
- Anxiousness
- Muscle Weakness
- Blurry or double vision
- Confusion
- Difficulty speaking
Please share this information with your friends, family, and coworkers in the event that you ever suffer from hypoglycemia while you are in the workplace. This way they can help you get the proper medical attention.