The Curse Of Low Blood Sugar: What You Can Do About It

Diabetic patients are especially prone to periods of dangerously low blood sugar in part because of the medications they are often prescribed. This condition, called hypoglycemia, is sometimes the result of overusing medication, but excessive exercise, meal skipping, or simply eating less can all lead to a low blood sugar event as well. What makes the condition especially scary is that you can have it and not even know it.

People suffering from low blood sugar can fall unconscious or lapse into a coma — all without realizing anything was wrong. If no one is around to help, the condition can lead to death. That is a terrifying possibility for someone diagnosed with a lifelong condition, so what can you do about it?

Low blood sugar occurs when it dips under 70 mg/dL. That means you aren’t getting the glucose you need, and your body can’t retain the functionality a normal person’s would. 

That’s why the first step is checking your blood sugar as often as possible to ensure that it remains where it should. When it falls on more than one occasion the first step is to discover why it’s happening — and then prevent a recurrence.

Although low blood sugar can present without symptoms (hypoglycemic unawareness), you might experience:

  • Nervousness
  • Pale skin
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Mood swings
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Blurry vision
  • Hunger
  • Sweating
  • Dizziness
  • Shaking
  • Insomnia 
  • Tingly skin
  • Seizure
  • Confusion

When you discover that your blood sugar is lower than it should be, you need carbohydrates that your body can digest more easily. Soda, juice, honey, candy, crackers, or even a small spoonful of sugar can help you balance your blood sugar. 

Work with a diabetic educator or healthcare provider to determine a diet and exercise regimen right for you. Don’t skip meals or start exercising more frequently than you did before. When physically active, consider a snack before or during the increased activity if you know you’re prone to low blood sugar during or after exercise.

Regularity is a diabetic’s most important weapon when fighting the condition. Diabetics must keep close track of the carbohydrates they consume in order to maintain proper blood sugar. They must also be very careful when drinking alcohol, which is best taken with food.

Depending on how serious your symptoms are, some diabetic patients might benefit from keeping a glucagon emergency kit on their person at all times. The medication will help your body increase its own blood sugar by releasing what is already stored in the liver.

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Diabetes can be a nightmare for those who have it. After diagnosis, a person is forced to adapt to a lifetime of changed routines from diet to exercise to expectations. Diabetes means that blood sugar is out of control, and to get diabetes in control–you first need to determine how best to control blood sugar or glucose.


Workplace Accommodations For Individuals With Diabetes

When you have diabetes, your health is always on your mind. But that shouldn’t stop you from going out into the workplace and contributing to society. You have certain workplace accommodations that are mandated by the government to make sure you can focus on your health and continue to perform your work responsibilities.


Diabetes and Depression

In many cases of medical study, there are often several different health issues that can be linked to one another either by causation or simple correlation. One of the more common ones is the link between gum disease and heart health. Another popular one is anxiety and blood pressure. One that is only recently coming to light, however, is the possible link between diabetes and the prevalence of symptoms of depression.


The Link Between Diabetes And Yeast Infections

Diabetes is on the rise, with more and more people getting it by the day. Obesity and a bad diet can increase your risk of getting it and once you do get it you will have to start taking medication. If you notice that you are getting more yeast infections than usual and you are overweight, you might want to get tested for diabetes.