Hypoglycemia is a condition that can occur in people who have type I or type II diabetes. It occurs when you have very little blood sugar or glucose in your system. Although it is mainly diabetics who suffer from hypoglycemic symptoms, anyone can suffer. It can be caused by many different things, including fasting or poor nutrition.
It is true that there is a misconception that if someone suffers from hypoglycemia, they should be given something sweet to eat. In fact, the person is much more likely to suffer from a lack of protein. Peanut butter is a great option for a hypoglycemic person.
One way of looking at hypoglycemia is the opposite of diabetes. Diabetics should avoid consuming too much sugar as they have high blood glucose levels. Hypoglycemics, on the other hand, have low glucose levels and need to replenish the lack of sugar. It is quite common for many diabetics to develop hypoglycemia as a reaction to their diet or to taking insulin. This should be differentiated from people who develop the condition due to poor diet.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia
There are many symptoms that hypoglycemics can experience. The most common are a feeling of anxiety, sweating more than usual, clammy and clammy skin, palpitations, and a feeling like you are going to pass out. This happens when the brain begins to shut down as a result of the loss of glucose.
It is a potentially dangerous situation. If left untreated, a person could slip into a diabetic coma or even die from hypoglycemia. If you suspect that someone has these signs, you should give them something to eat, preferably rich in protein.
More serious symptoms, such as vomiting and stomach pain, can also occur. If hypoglycemia continues, the sufferer may experience neurological effects such as slurred speech, tiredness, headaches, and a general slowdown in brain function.
If you are not sure if someone is hypoglycemic, you should call a doctor immediately. The doctor will need to perform a physical exam and will probably want to take a blood sample. This will help determine if the patient has a healthy blood sugar level or not.
In many cases, hypoglycemia is not a cause for concern. It may simply be the result of an improper diet. However, if the condition continues to be a problem, you should always consult a medical professional to find out the actual cause of the condition. You will be pleased to know that many times the cause cannot be established and the situation improves on its own.