Hypoglycemia and what you can do about it.

When we eat carbs, our bodies digest them into glucose, the primary source of energy in the body.

Glucose is absorbed into our blood stream from our small intestines.
There is a normal level of blood sugar that our body cells and organs need to function correctly. 

 
An unusually high blood sugar level is known as Hyperglycemia and If prolonged, it can lead to a medical condition known as Diabetes, which can arise as a result of a variety of reasons. 

 
An unusually low blood sugar level is known as Hypoglycemia. A low blood sugar level is more dangerous than a high blood sugar level because it's not as easily detected. 

 
When a person has low blood sugar, his body is running out of energy, and if it's not attended to, he'll shut down. 

 
There are symptoms. 

 
Like a car with a low level of gasoline, our bodies signal us when we have a low blood sugar level. 

  

Visible Symptoms of Hypoglycemia are:-

 
•Shakiness,
•Nervousness,
•Sweating and Chills,
•Confusion,
•Lightheadedness or •dizziness,
•Sleeping and
•weakness,
•Headaches,
•Lack of coordination,
•Seizures,
•Nightmares,
•Eventual Unconsciousness. 

 
The brain is the integrating unit of the body, and it needs a regular supply of glucose because it's always active. When the energy isn't there it simply goes off! 

 
What Causes Hypoglycemia? 

 
Most times, low blood sugar levels arise from diabetes treatment or from inconsistent dieting. 

Diabetics usually use insulin treatments to lower sugar levels in an effort to manage the condition. 

 
Sometimes, a hypoglycemic reaction or 'shock' to insulin can occur during treatment and then glucagon shots (the hormonal opposite of insulin that raises blood sugar levels) are needed.

 
What happens is that a high dose of these treatments lower blood sugar beyond optimal levels, and so the patients develop hypoglycemic symptoms. 

 
Also, eating too late or having long time intervals between meals can result in hypoglycemia especially when rigorous mental work or vigorous physical activities are being done. 

 
That's simply 'burning energy faster than its being replaced'. 

 
Treating Hypoglycemia 

 
Simple dietary measures can be observed to correct mild hypoglycemic symptoms. 

 
Usually, about 15g-20g of glucose or simple carbohydrates is needed. 

 
Glucose tablets, raisins, a can of coca cola or soda drinks, 1 table spoonful of sugar or honey; is okay.
In the case of a severe hypoglycemic reaction or 'passing out', a glucagon injection must be given fast.

 
Hypoglycemia unawareness occurs when there are no visible symptoms of low blood sugar levels and this can be dangerous, resulting in sudden death.
A healthy lifestyle, with moderate sugar consumption can keep you off diabetes and hypoglycemia. 

 
We shouldn't consume two bottles of coke or fanta all the time, and please let's create the awareness.
Has this article been helpful? Do share your opinions and experiences via the comments box below. 





































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