12 signs of hypoglycemia

Every single cell requires energy for the body to function efficiently. The primary source of this energy comes from glucose, also known as blood sugar. Glucose is essential for digestive, cardiac, and brain function, and for maintaining healthy eyesight and skin. Throughout the day,  blood sugar levels  fluctuate. However, when they fall below 70 mg/dL, you experience low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia. There are some indicators of hypoglycemia to watch for. This article will examine 12 signs of hypoglycemia.

Starting to sweat

Have you ever started sweating and feeling clammy, even though it wasn’t particularly hot? Feeling sweaty before lunch could potentially signal a drop  in blood sugar rather than being due to the weather. University of Michigan Health states that hypoglycemia can cause sweating, which is typically more common in people with diabetes. However, it can happen to anyone, as adrenaline surges when blood sugar drops. Hypoglycemia often causes night sweats in people with diabetes.

feeling irritable

We’ve all been there: waiting for a late dinner companion, feeling increasingly irritable as hunger begins to kick in. According to gastroenterologists, there’s a scientific explanation behind that feeling of « hunger. » When blood sugar levels drop, stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline increase. This can often trigger feelings  of irritability  . However, it’s important to note that hunger doesn’t always mean low blood sugar levels: it’s also possible to feel a little irritable with stable glucose levels.

Feeling hungry

Blood sugar is the main source of energy for cells, especially the brain. When blood sugar levels are low, cells can’t function properly because they don’t receive energy. When this happens, you begin to feel hungry. It’s important to consume foods like non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats to help stabilize blood sugar levels. According to  Medical News Today  , although starchy carbohydrates and sugary drinks can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels, this effect isn’t long-lasting and doesn’t help stabilize blood sugar. 

Difficulty concentrating

If you feel like you’re losing focus, it might be time for a much-needed lunch break. Low blood sugar can reduce glucose supply to the brain. This affects your ability to concentrate and perform basic tasks. Hunger and low energy due to insufficient glucose intake further exacerbate the situation. This lack of concentration doesn’t just affect adults, however. Skipping meals can significantly impair children’s attention span and learning outcomes. 

Feeling dizzy

If you feel dizzy after skipping a snack, it could mean your blood sugar has dropped.  Low glucose levels  can activate the sympathetic nervous system, which in turn releases hormones that cause dizziness, hunger, and weakness. Furthermore, dehydration can worsen this problem, so staying hydrated is essential if you want to avoid feeling dizzy. However, dizziness can also result from other conditions, such as inner ear problems. So, if eating doesn’t help, it might be worth exploring other potential causes of your dizziness.

I feel shaky

Another sign of low blood sugar is feeling shaky. This is because when blood sugar levels drop, the body releases adrenaline to encourage refueling. However, if you feel shaky after a meal, it could be a symptom of idiopathic postprandial syndrome (IPS), which can mimic symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as headache and dizziness. While a diagnosis of IPS doesn’t typically require treatment, it’s helpful to recognize these signs.  

Change in vision

If things suddenly start to look blurry, the cause could be a drop in blood sugar levels. Hypoglycemia, especially in diabetics, can potentially trigger  visual symptoms  , such as blurred vision, black spots, or even double vision. However, low glucose levels aren’t the only thing that can affect vision. High blood sugar levels can also affect vision by causing swelling of the lens. Persistent vision changes should be discussed with your doctor as soon as possible to rule out other potential causes.

Slurred speech can be a surprising sign of hypoglycemia. It typically occurs when glucose levels drop below 40 mg/dL. The presence of this symptom, along with difficulty processing language, indicates that it’s time to eat. Other mild symptoms include muscle spasms, unsteady gait, and emotional fluctuations. Symptoms develop gradually as blood sugar levels drop. Therefore, it can be helpful to know the difference between mild and moderate symptoms so you can act accordingly.  

Your sleep is disturbed

Having trouble falling asleep? You’re not alone; in fact, about a third of adults suffer from chronic insomnia. Recurring sleep disturbances can potentially result from nocturnal hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar levels during the night. As mentioned above, symptoms can also include  night sweats  and waking up feeling restless or irritable. Maintaining a healthy sleep cycle is essential for regulating blood sugar levels, as well as reducing the risk of obesity and diabetes.

Convulsions and coma

While most low blood sugar levels can be resolved quickly, severe drops may require immediate intervention to avoid very serious complications, such as seizures, fainting, or even brain damage. For diabetics, dangerously low blood sugar levels can lead to diabetic coma, which can also occur with high blood sugar. Early symptoms typically precede the coma, so it’s very important to gradually raise blood sugar levels with glucose tablets or even regular soda. 

According to  Health Direct  , heart palpitations, a rapid heartbeat, or palpitations can also potentially indicate low blood sugar. Adrenaline is released when glucose levels drop, triggering a « fight or flight » response and thus causing these symptoms. Hypoglycemia can also lead to irregular heartbeats and reduced blood flow to the heart. This can potentially cause cardiac arrhythmia. Although quite rare, this can sometimes lead to « dead in bed » syndrome in patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is for informational purposes only. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition and/or medications you are taking. Do not disregard the advice of a medical professional or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.

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