Learn about the common symptoms of low blood sugar, its causes, and how to manage hypoglycaemia. Find out how non-diabetics can also experience low blood sugar levels and explore actionable tips to improve your blood sugar levels and maintain metabolic health.

Key Takeaways:

• Low blood sugar levels, also known as hypoglycaemia, can be harmful and become a medical emergency if not managed.
• Hypoglycaemia symptoms can include hunger, dizziness, headaches, irritability, anxiety, pallor, fatigue and irregular heartbeat.
• Severe hypoglycaemia symptoms may involve loss of coordination, blurry vision, speech difficulty, sluggishness, muscle weakness and loss of consciousness.
• Low blood sugar can result from a side effect of diabetes medication, excessive insulin intake, skipping meals or engaging in strenuous physical activity beyond one's capacity.
• Non-diabetics may also experience low blood glucose levels due to factors like inadequate food intake, hormonal issues, or drinking alcohol on an empty stomach.

Also known as hypoglycaemia, low blood sugar is a condition where the amount of glucose in your bloodstream falls below the level necessary to maintain normal body functions. Blood glucose levels below 4mmol/L (70 milligrams per decilitre) are considered low and can cause problems if not addressed promptly.

Glucose is the body's primary energy source, and having consistently low levels can lead to severe health issues. Hypoglycaemia is most often associated with people who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, especially those who take insulin or other medications to manage their blood sugar levels. However, as mentioned earlier, it can also occur in people without diabetes due to a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, certain medications and prolonged periods of fasting.

The effects of dangerously low blood sugar levels

Complications from untreated or severe hypoglycaemia can be serious. In the short term, low blood sugar can cause symptoms such as shakiness, dizziness, sweating, confusion and blurred vision.

If left untreated, the condition can be very dangerous, as low blood sugar levels can lead to more severe complications like seizures, unconsciousness and, in the worst-case scenario, even death. Chronic episodes of low blood sugar can also harm your brain and heart health over time.

It is essential to be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar and know how to manage them, especially if you have diabetes or are at risk of hypoglycaemia.

Understanding the causes and recognising the signs of low blood sugar can help prevent severe complications and improve overall metabolic health.

Common low blood sugar symptoms

Recognising the symptoms of low blood sugar levels is crucial to managing hypoglycaemia effectively and avoiding serious complications.

Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the blood sugar drop, the speed at which it falls and other individual factors. However, some common symptoms typically arise when blood glucose levels start to decline.

Mild to moderate symptoms of low blood sugar levels:

• Hunger: An intense craving for food, especially sweets, is one of the first signs of low blood sugar. This is your body's way of signalling that it needs more glucose.
• Dizziness or light-headedness: Low blood sugar can cause dizzy spells, which may increase if you stand up quickly.
• Shakiness: You may experience trembling or shakiness in your hands, legs or entire body.
• Sweating: Excessive sweating, especially on the face or neck, can be a symptom of low blood sugar levels.
• Headaches: Low blood sugar levels can trigger headaches or migraines in some people.
• Irritability and mood changes: Hypoglycaemia can cause mood swings, irritability or even aggressive behaviour.
• Anxiety or nervousness: Feeling anxious or nervous without an apparent reason can be a sign of low blood sugar levels.
• Pallor: Pale or clammy skin is a common symptom of low blood sugar.
• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak is another symptom of low blood sugar levels.
• Irregular heartbeat: You may notice your heart racing or skipping beats, which is due to the release of stress hormones in response to low blood sugar levels.

Severe symptoms of low blood sugar levels:

• Loss of coordination: Hypoglycaemia can affect your motor skills, leading to clumsiness or difficulty walking.
• Blurry vision: Low blood sugar levels can cause blurred or double vision, making it hard to focus.
• Speech difficulty: You may have trouble speaking, slurring your words, or finding it hard to think of the right words.
• Sluggishness: Feeling unusually slow or sluggish is a symptom of severe low blood sugar.
• Muscle weakness: Hypoglycaemia can cause muscle weakness or even muscle spasms.
• Loss of consciousness: In extreme cases, low blood sugar levels can lead to fainting or loss of consciousness.

Understanding these symptoms of low blood sugar levels is crucial for the early detection and management of hypoglycemia. If you experience any of these symptoms, check your blood glucose levels if possible, and follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for treating low blood sugar.

What causes blood sugar dips?

Understanding the causes of low blood sugar is essential. Although it's more commonly associated with diabetes, it can occur in people without diabetes as well. Understanding the causes of low blood sugar without diabetes is essential to preventing and managing this condition.

Let's explore the reasons for low blood sugar levels in both diabetics and non-diabetics.

5 Causes of low blood sugar in diabetics:

1. Diabetes medications: People with diabetes who use insulin or other blood sugar-lowering medications can experience low blood sugar if they take too much medication, don't eat enough or engage in unplanned physical activity. Excess insulin or medication can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low.
2. Skipping or delaying meals: If you have diabetes and delay or skip meals, especially after taking diabetes medications, your blood sugar levels may drop. This is because the medications continue to lower blood sugar levels even without food intake.
3. Excessive exercise: Physical activity increases insulin sensitivity and uses up glucose for energy. If you engage in strenuous exercise without adjusting your insulin or carbohydrate intake, you might experience low blood sugar.
4. Alcohol consumption: Alcohol can inhibit glucose production by the liver, leading to low blood sugar levels, especially if consumed on an empty stomach or in excess.
5. Other factors: Illness, hormonal changes or poor diabetes management can also contribute to low blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

7 Causes of low blood sugar in people without diabetes:

1. Fasting or skipping meals: Not eating for prolonged periods or skipping meals can cause low blood sugar levels in non-diabetics as the body uses up its glucose reserves.
2. Reactive hypoglycaemia: This occurs when blood sugar levels drop a few hours after a meal, typically due to excessive insulin release in response to a high-carbohydrate meal.
3. Hormonal imbalances: Certain hormonal disorders, such as adrenal gland deficiency or hypopituitarism, can cause low blood sugar levels in non-diabetics.
4. Medications: Some medications, including quinine (used to treat malaria) and certain antibiotics, can lower blood sugar levels in non-diabetics.
5. Alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach or in excess can cause low blood sugar levels in non-diabetics, as alcohol inhibits glucose production by the liver.
6. Medical conditions: Severe illnesses like heart failure, liver disease or sepsis can cause low blood sugar levels in non-diabetics.
7. Critical illnesses: Conditions such as kidney disease, starvation or anorexia nervosa can also result in low blood sugar levels in non-diabetics.

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It is crucial to be aware of the causes of low blood sugar and recognise the signs of hypoglycaemia, regardless of whether you have diabetes.

Management tips for improving blood sugar levels

Knowing what to do when blood sugar is low is crucial for preventing severe hypoglycaemia and its complications. Here are some tips for managing and improving low blood sugar levels:

Immediate treatment

When experiencing symptoms of low blood sugar, act quickly. Consume 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates such as glucose tablets, fruit juice, non-diet soda, or a tablespoon of honey or sugar to get your glucose levels back to their target range. Wait 15 minutes, then recheck your blood glucose levels. If your blood sugar remains low, repeat the process until it returns to the normal range.

Regular meals and snacks

Eating balanced meals and snacks at regular intervals helps maintain stable blood glucose levels. Include a mix of carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats in your meals.

Monitor blood sugar levels

Regularly monitor your blood glucose levels, especially if you have diabetes or experience frequent episodes of low blood sugar. This helps you identify patterns and make the necessary adjustments to prevent hypoglycaemia.

Adjust medications

If you have diabetes and experience recurrent low blood sugar levels, consult your healthcare provider to adjust your medication dosages or change medications altogether.

Exercise wisely

If you have diabetes, plan your exercise routine with your healthcare provider to avoid hypoglycaemia. You may need to adjust your medication or carbohydrate intake around physical activity.

Share your condition

Inform family, friends and coworkers about the signs of low blood sugar and what to do when blood sugar is low. They can help you if you're unable to treat hypoglycaemia yourself.

Carry a medical ID

Wear a medical ID bracelet or carry a card indicating that you have diabetes or are prone to hypoglycaemia. This can be crucial in an emergency.

Avoid alcohol on an empty stomach

If you choose to drink alcohol, do so with a meal, as alcohol can inhibit glucose production by the liver and lead to low blood sugar levels.

Consult a qualified healthcare provider

If you experience frequent episodes of low blood sugar or have difficulty managing it, consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation and management plan.

Use continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices

Consider using a CGM device to continuously monitor your blood sugar levels, whether or not you have diabetes and suffer from low blood sugar. It can help you identify trends and make adjustments to prevent low blood sugar levels.

Understanding the symptoms and causes of low blood sugar is crucial for managing hypoglycaemia and maintaining metabolic health. Be sure to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you're looking to improve your glucose control, the Vively metabolic health app can help. It can assist in monitoring your blood sugar levels and provide personalised recommendations to help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels.