Hypoglycemia, commonly known as low blood sugar, occurs when blood glucose levels fall below the normal area, usually below 70 mg/dl. Glucose is the body’s main source of energy, decisive for brain function and overall metabolism. As levels drop, individuals may experience symptoms such as shaky, sweating, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, hunger or confusion. In severe cases, hypoglycemia can lead to seizures, unconsciousness or other life -threatening complications. Causes include jumping meals, excessive insulin or oral hypoglycemic medication, alcohol consumption, hormonal imbalances, liver or heart disease and some infections. Early recognition, proper monitoring and rapid intervention with fast -acting carbohydrates or medical treatment is crucial to preventing serious consequences and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
What is hypoglycemia: How blood sugar sinks
Blood glucose is regulated tightly by hormones, liver function and diet intake. Hypoglycemia occurs when the balance between glucose supply and demand is disturbed. The body relies on glucose for energy, and the brain is particularly sensitive to deficiency. As glucose levels drop, the body responds with a series of warning signs such as sweating, shaking, rapid heartbeat and mental confusion. Prolonged or severe hypoglycemia can lead to neurological injuries, making early detection critical.
Key Causes of hypoglycemia : Drugs, alcohol, hormones, disease, heart and infections
How diabetes drugs can trigger hypoglycemiaOne of the most common causes of hypoglycemia in adults is medication, especially in people with diabetes. Insulin, which lowers blood glucose, can sometimes lower it exaggerated if the dosage is too high or meals are skipped. Oral hypoglycemic drugs (ohase) work in a similar way by stimulating insulin production or increasing its effectiveness. If blood sugar drops too low, it can lead to dizziness, fatigue, anxiety or even faint. Careful monitoring of glucose levels, proper drug stimming and dietary consistency are the key to preventing drug -induced hypoglycemia.Alcohol consumption and imbalance of blood sugarAlcohol can significantly interfere with glucose regulation. The liver processes alcohol instead of focusing on breaking down glycogen or performing gluconeogenesis, both critical for maintaining blood sugar. This effect can lead to hypoglycemia, especially if alcohol is consumed on an empty stomach or in large quantities. People with diabetes or low baseline blood sugar should be careful, as alcohol can mask early hypoglycemia symptoms and delay the treatment.Hormonal imbalances and hypoglycemiaHormones such as cortisol, glucagon and epinephrine play decisive roles in blood sugar regulation. Cortisol and glucagon stimulate glucose production in the liver, while epinephrine mobilizes glucose under stress. A deficiency or imbalance in these hormones can prevent the body from correcting low blood sugar naturally. In cases of extreme fatigue or prolonged fixed (inanition), these hormonal mechanisms fail, causing hypoglycemia.Critical disease and liver dysfunctionSerious diseases or liver dysfunction can impair glucose production. The liver generates glucose through glycogenolysis (degradation of stored glycogen) and gluconeogenesis (produces glucose from non-carbohydrate sources). Liver or critical illness can compromise on these processes, which can lead to persistent hypoglycemia. Conditions such as sepsis, hepatitis or advanced liver disease can make low blood sugar pisodes more frequent and dangerous.Heart conditions and glucose accessHeart problems can indirectly cause hypoglycemia. In heart failure, reduced blood flow limits the liver’s ability to access substrates needed for glucose production. This can result in insufficient glucose supply for the body, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue or confusion. Cardiac patients must monitor both cardiovascular health and blood sugar levels close to prevent composite complications.Infections and increased glucose useSome infections, especially malaria caused by plasmodium falciparum, may increase glucose consumption in the body. The parasite has a high metabolic speed and consumes significant amounts of glucose from the host’s bloodstream. This effect is particularly pronounced in children and pregnant women, which can cause severe hypoglycemia if it is not handled quickly.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia : How to recognize low blood sugar
Hypoglycemia can manifest itself through various physical and cognitive symptoms. Early signs include sweating, shaking, rapid heartbeat, anxiety and hunger. As blood sugar drops further, individuals may experience dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, confusion or difficulty concentrating. Severe hypoglycemia can lead to seizures, unconsciousness or brain damage if not treated immediately. Awareness of these symptoms is crucial to rapid intervention.
Understand the dangers of hypoglycemia and its handling
While hyperglycemia is often marked as dangerous in diabetes management, hypoglycemia may be more immediately life -threatening. Repeated or prolonged episodes with low blood sugar can damage neurons, impair cognitive function and increase the risk of accidents due to fainting or confusion. In children and the elderly, the risks are even higher and emphasize the importance of prevention and rapid treatment.Mild hypoglycemia can be treated with fast -acting carbohydrates such as fruit (bananas, apples), sweets or glucose tablets. For serious cases, intravenous dextrose may be necessary. In some situations, glucagon injections are admitted intramuscularly or subcutaneously to rapidly raise blood glucose, although not recommended for hypoglycemia caused by oral hypoglycemic drugs. Preventive measures include regular monitoring of blood sugar, consistent meals and proper handling of medicines.Also read | Biohacker Bryan Johnson reveals his shocking $ 2 million 5-hour daily routine that can turn aging and help him live forever
