9 Warning Signs of Low Blood Sugar

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is a sign that your body's glucose levels are dropping too low. It's an important condition to be aware of and monitor, as the effects of low blood sugar can range from mild discomfort to dangerous health complications if left untreated. Here are eight warning signs of low blood sugar to watch out for.

Feeling Dizzy or Lightheaded.

You may feel dizzy or lightheaded when your blood sugar gets too low. Sometimes, your heart may seem like racing fast, or you may have a headache. Always carry snacks if you feel dizzy or lightheaded due to low blood sugar. Also, avoid activities that may cause low blood sugar levels, such as skipping meals or exercising too vigorously without eating enough food first.

Sweating

When your blood sugar drops, your body will start to release a hormone called adrenaline. Adrenaline signals your body to release sugar stored in your liver, which then causes your blood sugar to rise. This process is known as counterregulatory hormones, which is one of the reasons you might sweat when your blood sugar is low.

Headache

When blood sugar levels drop, the body secretes hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, constricting blood vessels and reducing inflammation. This can lead to headaches. In addition, dehydration can occur when blood sugar is low, which can lead to headaches. Headaches are one of the warning signs of low blood sugar. Other symptoms include feeling shaky, sweating, heart palpitations, and hunger.

There are several ways you can treat a headache caused by low blood sugar. First, try to increase your blood sugar levels by eating or drinking something that contains sugar. You can also take a break from whatever activity and rest. If the headache is still present after doing these things, you can take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Feeling Shaky

Blood sugar levels dropping too low can cause shaky hands and weakness. It is because the body is not getting enough glucose, which it needs for energy. Missed meals, excessive exercise, or diabetes can cause low blood sugar. If you are feeling shaky due to low blood sugar, eating or drinking something that will raise your blood sugar levels quickly is important. It could include a sugary drink or snack, such as candy or fruit juice. You must eat regular meals and snacks throughout the day to avoid drops in blood sugar levels.

Heart Palpitations

Heart palpitations are a common symptom of low blood sugar. When your blood sugar drops, your heart rate increases, bringing more sugar to your cells. This can cause a fluttering sensation in your chest or a feeling that your heart is skipping a beat. Heart palpitations are usually not harmful and will go away once your blood sugar levels return to normal. However, if you experience heart palpitations and other symptoms such as dizziness or shortness of breath, you should be more concerned about your health and see a doctor immediately.

Hunger

When you have low blood sugar, your body tries to tell you that it needs more energy. The hormone insulin helps to regulate blood sugar levels, and when blood sugar levels drop, insulin production also decreases. This can cause feelings of hunger. It is important to treat the condition immediately by eating or drinking something that will raise your blood sugar level. If you're a traveler, glucose tablets or other fast-acting carbohydrates could be your ideal bet.

Weakness or Fatigue

Our body and brain draw their energy from glucose available in our bloodstream. You may feel tired, dizzy, or lightheaded when blood sugar levels drop. You may also have trouble concentrating or experience headaches. If you feel so more frequently, pay attention to your body and be on the lookout for the frequency of weakness or fatigue in your day-to-day life. Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can occur when you skip a meal, exercise too much without eating enough carbohydrates, or drink alcohol. If you feel the weakness or fatigue is longer than expected, consult your doctor to check for low blood sugar. Otherwise, it can lead to serious health problems like seizures and coma.

Confusion or Irritability

When blood sugar levels drop, the body can no longer function properly and may begin to experience confusion. You may also need help making a decision and feel it is hard to think clearly. The condition can also cause feelings of irritability, nervousness, and shakiness. If your mood changes are related to your blood sugar, it's important to check your levels and see if they are within a healthy range.

Passing Out

Low blood sugar levels can cause a whole host of symptoms - one of which is passing out. That's because blood sugar levels dropping too low and can cause your body to go into shock. And in severe cases, that can lead to unconsciousness.

So if you're feeling lightheaded or dizzy or suddenly feel like you're going to faint, it could be a sign that your blood sugar is too low. If you have diabetes, it's important to monitor your blood sugar levels closely and always carries glucose tablets or other fast-acting sugar with you in case you need them.

How to Handle Low Blood Sugar

If you doubt your blood sugar level amidst some ongoing symptoms, it's imperative to check your sugar levels immediately. Take the help of a glucose meter that is easily available in med stores. If your levels are below 70 mg/dl, it's considered low, and you should treat it immediately. The ideal way to beat low blood sugar is to eat or drink something that will raise your levels quickly. It could be a glass of orange juice or a handful of raisins. Once your blood sugar levels have risen and you're feeling better, be sure to eat a meal or snack, so your levels don't drop again.