If a low blood sugar level is not treated, you may get other symptoms, such as: weakness. blurred vision. confusion or difficulty concentrating.
Symptoms of hypoglycaemia
Symptoms usually occur when blood sugar levels fall below four millimoles (mmol) per litre. Typical early warning signs are feeling hungry, trembling or shakiness, and sweating. In more severe cases, you may also feel confused and have difficulty concentrating.
Fresh or dried fruit
Fruits that provide the appropriate amount of carbohydrates include half a banana, 15 grapes, two tablespoons of raisins or a small apple or orange.
If you are struggling to get up in the morning; feeling a total lack of energy or 'fogginess' or not able to perform the tasks you normally do as simply too exhausted it may be that you actually are suffering from fatigue... and it could be a side effect of your diabetes.
Low blood sugar can also cause fatigue, especially in people who have frequent episodes and do not get enough warning that their blood sugar levels are dropping. A person can still feel fatigued even after treatment for low blood sugar. Learn more about the effects of low blood sugar on the body here.
1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or syrup. Hard candies, jellybeans, or gumdrops (see food label for how much to eat). 3-4 glucose tablets (follow instructions). 1 dose of glucose gel (usually 1 tube; follow instructions).
Your doctor may tell you to have really sugary foods or drinks (like regular soda, orange juice, or cake frosting) or might give you glucose tablets or gel to take — all of these can help to raise your blood sugar level fast, which is what you need to do when it's low. Wait about 10 minutes to let the sugar work.
You should avoid foods high in saturated fat or sugar and choose foods high in protein, soluble fiber, or with a low glycemic index (low GI) score – these low GI foods contain carbohydrates that take the body longer to break down.
Frequently checking your blood sugar level lets you know when your blood sugar is getting low. A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a good option for some people.
If your blood sugar drops below the healthy range, it causes certain symptoms like shakiness and a faster heartbeat and can be life-threatening if it goes too low. This is because your brain needs a continuous supply of glucose to function properly. Without enough glucose, your brain can't function.
Reactive hypoglycemia, sometimes called postprandial hypoglycemia, happens when blood sugar drops after a meal — usually within four hours after eating. Symptoms of hypoglycemia may include: Shakiness. Dizziness or lightheadedness.
The Cedars-Sinai medical center cautions that people with diabetes shouldn't use chocolate as a way to boost low blood glucose, because the fat in chocolate prevents your glucose from rising quickly.
Hypoglycemia is frequently observed in patients with diabetes mellitus but is uncommon in patients without diabetes. Hypoglycemia in patients without diabetes may be due to a variety of causes. Therefore, it is important to take a thorough clinical history and examination.
From 90 to 130 mg/dL (5.0 to 7.2 mmol/L) for adults. From 90 to 130 mg/dL (5.0 to 7.2 mmol/L) for children, 13 to 19 years old. From 90 to 180 mg/dL (5.0 to 10.0 mmol/L) for children, 6 to 12 years old. From 100 to 180 mg/dL (5.5 to 10.0 mmol/L) for children under 6 years old.
The Effect of Chocolate on Blood Sugar Levels
High cocoa solids chocolate (100% types) is often thought of as a low glycemic food, meaning it does not cause a sharp spike in blood sugar. The fat and fiber in chocolate make it slow-digesting, so you don't get an instant spike.
Use a lancet to prick your finger. Squeezing from the base of the finger, gently place a small amount of blood onto the test strip. Place the strip in the meter. After a few seconds, the reading will appear.
For most people without diabetes, normal blood sugar levels are: between 4 and to 6 mmol/L before meals. less than 8 mmol/L two hours after eating.
Several medical conditions can make a person feel weak, shaky, and tired. They include dehydration, irregular heart beat, Parkinson's disease, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Treatment will depend on the condition a person has.