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Low blood sugar level

If the blood sugar level is too low, it is known as hypoglycemia.

Those who have diabetes are most affected, mainly if they use insulin.

In most cases, you can manage a low blood sugar level independently. However, it can be fatal if it is not handled right away.

Symptoms indicate low blood sugar levels

Each person might experience a low blood sugar level differently. Even though your symptoms could alter over time, you’ll discover how it makes you feel.

  • Early indications of low blood sugar levels consist of:
    • Sweating
    • Feeling worn out
    • Dizziness
    • Getting hungry
    • Prickly lips
    • Feeling restless or unsteady
    • A hammering or rapid pulse (palpitations)
    • Getting easily upset, emotional, nervous, or moody
    • Becoming pale

    Low blood sugar levels causes

    Low blood sugar is most frequently brought on by:

    • Taking diabetic medication or insulin at an inappropriate time
    • Overusing insulin or diabetic medications
    • Using insulin to lower blood sugar levels without eating anything
    • Eating insufficiently during meals or snacks after taking insulin or diabetic medication
    • Exercising frequently or at an uncharacteristic time for you
    • Not changing your insulin dosage or not testing your blood sugar before exercising
    • Consuming alcohol
Low blood sugar levels causes

Self-treatment will do great.

If your blood sugar is below 3.5 mmol/L or you are experiencing hypoglycemia symptoms,

Take the following actions:

  • Have a sugary beverage or snack, such as a small glass of fruit juice or carbonated soft drink (not the diet kind), small candies
  • After 10 minutes, check your blood sugar; if it has decreased and you feel better, go to the following action.
  • Have your main meal, which should contain a slow-release carbohydrate. Alternately, consume food that has a slow release.

Preventing a low blood sugar level

  • Regularly check your blood sugar level and be aware of the signs of a low blood sugar level
  • To track the changes in your blood sugar levels, use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or flash monitor
  • Always have a sweet snack or beverage on you
  • Don’t miss meals.
  • When consuming alcohol, use caution
  • Eat a carbohydrate snack before working out

Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022