Hello, I am Ty Mason of thediabetescouncil.com, researcher, writer and I have type 2 diabetes.
Today I want to talk about what it feels like to have low blood sugar.
After you watch the video today, I invite you check out the description box for my new
ebook.
This is one of the most comprehensive diabetes meal planning book you can find.
It contains diabetes friendly meals/recipes, recipes for different goals such as 800-1800
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There are also tons of diabetes friendly recipes for everyone!
You may think this is a weird question for a diabetes channel to tackle.
But a 2015 study by Chloe Eldridge found that “Current evidence shows hypoglycaemia is
considerably prevalent amongst people with type 2 diabetes, particularly for those on
insulin, yet still fairly common for other treatment regimens.
This highlights the subsequent need for educational interventions and individualisation of therapies
to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia.”
First let’s define what we mean by hypoglycemia.
Hypoglycemia happens when the amount of blood glucose (sugar in the blood) drops to a level
that's too low to sustain normal functioning; in most people, this is defined as a blood-sugar
level below 70 mg/dl.
Left untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to a coma and even death.
It is very important that those with diabetes monitor sugar levels and treat hypoglycemia
when it is present and right away.
It happens more often than we think.
So what does it feel like to have hypoglycemia?
Let’s look at the most common symptoms.
There are two classes of hypoglycemic symptoms - those due to lack of sugar in the brain
and those due to the adrenalin response of your body.
When blood sugar levels get too low, the body will signal for the adrenal glands to kick
in.
This signals the liver for more sugar.
Symptoms from the adrenalin response: One of the first signs you might notice is
an insatiable hunger.
You’ve eaten but nothing you eat can seem to fill you up.
If you have this feeling and you just can’t get enough to eat, check your blood sugar
immediately.
If it is lower than 70, get 15 grams of fast acting carbs in your body.
This can come from a variety of sources: 4 ounces fruit juice
6 ounces regular soda (not diet) 4 or 5 saltine crackers
1 tablespoon of jelly or honey 8 pieces of hard candy
Inability to rest at night.
This could be due to nocturnal hypoglycemia.
Signs of Nocturnal Hypoglycemia are: Restlessness.
Making unusual noises.
Attempting to get out of bed or accidentally rolling out of bed.
Sleepwalking.
Nightmares.
Sweating.
You may wake up with a headache in the morning if your blood sugar was low during the night.
Sometimes a snack before bed can reduce the frequency and severity of these sleep disturbances.
Some people have a strong feeling of anxiety.
This is caused by that rush of adrenalin.
This overload of adrenalin can cause some very anxious moments and can also make you
feel panicked.
You may have uncontrollable sweating even if you aren’t hot.
This can be one of the very first signs of hypoglycemia.
The central nervous system kicks in after the adrenalin has been pushed from the adrenal
glands and this causes the autonomic nervous system to issue a “sweat order” to the
skin.
Shakes and tremors.
Because of the adrenalin rush, the central nervous system starts to malfunction.
As a result, it releases chemicals that encourage glucose production and also produce the tremors.
Symptoms from lack of sugar in the brain: Fatigue can actually fall in both categories.
There is a fatigue that can set in after an adrenalin rush, but also a fatigue from the
lack of sugar in the brain.
Either can be very serious.
Emotional instability.
Mood swings and sudden emotional episodes not typical of your normal behavior are among
the neurological symptoms of hypoglycemia.
These could include irrational outbursts, random crying for no reason which may become
uncontrollable, extreme anger without cause, and a strong desire to be left alone.
Mild mood changes that may not be as severe, such as general irritability or becoming easily
annoyed, can also be a signal that your blood sugar may be dropping.
Dizziness and light-headedness.
If you experience these common symptoms of hypoglycemia, heed them and treat the hypoglycemia
quickly.
Dropping blood sugar levels can result in fainting.
If you feel dizzy or light headed, sit or lie down immediately to avoid injuring yourself.
Because the brain is especially sensitive to a drop in sugar, you may experience a sense
of confusion and an inability to concentrate on one thing at a time.
Your mind seems to wander all over the place.
If your vision suddenly becomes blurry or you see double, a drop in blood sugar may
be to blame.
This is also a result of the brain’s lack of sugar affecting the optic nerve.
Your sugar-starved brain may cause you to slur your words.
To others this may resemble someone who has been drinking.
But you may not even notice.
These lists are not exhaustive, but are the more common symptoms of hypoglycemia.
According to WebMD, Some people have no symptoms of low blood sugar.
The only symptom you may have is confusion.
Or you may become unconscious before anyone realizes you have low blood sugar.
You may have hypoglycemic unawareness if you: Cannot tell by your symptoms that your blood
sugar is low.
Have low blood sugar several times a week.
Have type 1 diabetes, or have had type 2 diabetes for a long time.
If you have hypoglycemic unawareness, test your blood sugar often, especially before
activities like driving a car.
Keep quick-sugar foods with you.
If you take insulin, carry a glucagon emergency kit.
You can also give friends and family instructions to treat low blood sugar.
I hope this has given you a full understanding of what hypoglycemia is and how it feels.
Don’t forget to get my new ebook and please, subscribe to our channel for many more videos
like this one in the future.
Thanks for watching.
I am Ty Mason.