Learn if low blood sugar is a sign of diabetes, its causes in diabetics and non-diabetics, symptoms, and when to seek medical advice for hypoglycemia.
What Is Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)?
Hypoglycemia, also referred to as low blood sugar, is a condition that manifests in the condition of the blood sugar level that is below the normal value. Hypoglycemia is a condition that occurs in anyone, but mostly appears in individuals who are diabetic and taking insulin or any other form of glucose-lowering drugs.
Low Blood Sugar vs. High Blood Sugar
Although the most obvious symptom of diabetes is hyperglycemia (high level of sugar in blood), hypoglycemia has been misinterpreted. The distinction between the two is extremely important:
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Hyperglycemia: The levels of sugar in the blood are excessively elevated. As a result, over-urination, excessive thirst, tiredness, blurred vision, and delayed healing of wounds are symptoms.
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Hypoglycemia: The level of blood sugar is low. The effects are shakiness, sweating, palpitations, irritability, and, in grave cases, unconsciousness.
Knowing this difference can give us a picture of whether low blood sugar level is a symptom of diabetes or merely a consequence of other elements.
Causes of Low Blood Sugar
Multiple factors can lead to low blood sugar, and not all of them are related to diabetes. Some of the prevailing reasons are:
1. Diabetes Medications
Individuals under the influence of insulin or some of the oral drugs (such as sulfonylureas) are more susceptible to hypoglycemia. This can result in a dangerous decrease in blood sugar due the overdosing or missing meals, or engaging in strenuous exercises without the proper changes in medication.
2. Skipping Meals or Fasting
Failure to eat sufficient food, fasting, or atypical meal times may result in a decreased level of glucose, which causes hypoglycemia. This may impact diabetic and non-diabetic individuals.
3. Excessive Physical Activity
Physical activity enhances the amount of glucose consumed in the body. Unless carbohydrate consumption is altered either prior to or after physical activity, the level of sugar in the blood can decline to levels that are too low.
4. Alcohol Consumption
The alcohol may impair the liver to release glucose into the blood, leading to hypoglycemia, especially when consumed on an empty stomach.
5. Medical Conditions
Some diseases, such as liver disease, kidney diseases, hormone deficiency (e.g., adrenal insufficiency), and insulin-producing tumors (insulinoma), may cause low blood sugar.
6. Postprandial Hypoglycemia
It happens when blood sugar levels decrease in a few hours after eating, and this is usually a result of a high level of insulin secretion in the aftermath of a high-carbohydrate meal.
Is Low Blood Sugar a Sign of Diabetes?
Yes, Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is normally a symptom of diabetes, but not normally a symptom of diabetes. High blood sugar is normally related to diabetes. Nevertheless, low blood sugar can be a result of insulin and some medications used by diabetics. Hypoglycemia in non-diabetics is normally due to diet, fasting, or sickness, but not due to diabetes itself.
Causes of Low Blood Sugar in Non-Diabetics
Hypoglycemia can be experienced even by non-diabetics. Some common causes include:
Reactive Hypoglycemia
The blood sugar may rapidly fall following meals with refined sugars or simple carbohydrates, leading to such symptoms as shakiness, sweating, or dizziness, even in the non-diabetic population.
Fasting Hypoglycemia
Spending many hours without eating may result in a drop in the normal level of blood glucose, which makes one feel weak, irritable, and tired, particularly when the glucose storage of the body is exhausted.
Hormonal Disorders
The hormonal imbalances, e.,g Adrenal insufficiency or growth hormone deficiency may disrupt the regulation of glucose and lower blood sugar levels, which otherwise healthy individuals do not experience when they have no diabetes.
Critical Illnesses
Medical conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, or serious infections may disrupt the body's process of glucose production or use, leading to low blood sugar levels among non-diabetic individuals.
Medications
Some drugs and drugs, such as some antibiotics, quinine,, or other drugs, may diminish blood sugar accidentally by influencing the metabolism of glucose, insulin response, or hepatic glucose discharge.
Alcohol Consumption
Consumption of alcohol, especially without food, may lead to the liver not releasing stored glucose, and this leads to hypoglycemia, and associated symptoms include: confusion, dizziness, or fainting.
When to See a Doctor
When you have frequent episodes of low blood sugar, you should see a medical practitioner. The symptoms are not to be disregarded when it comes to chronic hypoglycemia, as such a condition can have severe health impacts.
Consult a doctor in case of:
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Often feel dizzy or faint.
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Excessive, unaccountable perspiration, irritability, or confusion.
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Extreme headaches or blurred vision.
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Hypoglycemia with no medication or evident etiology
Risk Factors for Hypoglycemia
Some causes will increase the chance of having low blood sugar:
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Use of diabetes drugs (insulin or sulfonylureas).
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Disordered eating patterns or missed meals.
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High alcohol consumption.
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Vigorous exercises and a lack of carbohydrates.
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Hormonal disorders such as thyroid or adrenal disorders.
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Diseases that are critical to the liver or kidney functions
Conclusion
Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar is not a typical manifestation of diabetes. Whereas drugs can cause people with diabetes to be affected to low blood sugar, non-diabetics can also be affected by low blood sugar in their diet, fasting, illness, or hormonal imbalances. Education and health instructions are vital.
