Every single cell requires energy in order for your body to function efficiently. The primary source of that energy comes from glucose, also known as blood sugar. Glucose is essential for digestive, heart, and brain function, keeping your vision and skin healthy. Throughout the day, your blood sugar levels will fluctuate. However, when they fall below 70 mg/dL, you have low blood sugar levels, also known as hypoglycemia. There are certain indicators that you have low blood sugar to be aware of. This article will look at 12 signs of low blood sugar.
Starting to Sweat
Have you ever started to sweat and feel clammy, but it wasn’t particularly hot? Feeling sweaty before lunch could potentially signal a blood sugar drop rather than result from the weather. The University of Michigan Health states that hypoglycemia can cause sweating, which is typically more prevalent in individuals with diabetes. However, can happen to anyone as adrenaline surges when glucose dips. Hypoglycemia often causes people with diabetes to experience night sweats.
Feeling Irritable
We’ve all been there before: you are waiting for a late dinner companion, feeling increasingly irritated as hunger begins to set in. According to gastroenterologists, there’s science behind that “hangry” feeling. When your blood sugar level dips, stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline surge. This can often trigger the feeling of irritability. However, we should note that hunger doesn’t always mean low blood sugar – it’s also possible to feel a bit cranky with stable glucose levels.
Feeling Hungry
Your blood sugar is your cell’s main energy source, particularly the brain. When you have low blood sugar levels, your cells can’t function properly as they aren’t receiving any energy. When this occurs, you begin to feel hungry. It’s important to consume foods such as non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats to help stabilize your blood sugar levels. According to Medical News Today, While starchy carbs and sugary drinks may provide a quick surge in blood sugar levels, this effect is not long-lasting and doesn’t help stabilize your blood sugar.
Having Nightmares
Hypoglycemia can cause a range of nightly issues besides night sweats. These include restless sleeping and even nightmares. In fact, people with diabetes often report having nightmares that are so bad that they make people wake up from their sleep. Many nocturnal issues are often misdiagnosed, so it’s important to take notice if you are constantly having nightmares. You should speak to your doctor about your pre-bedtime exercise schedule and diet if you have nocturnal hypoglycemia.
Trouble Focusing
If it feels like you’re losing focus, it might be time for a much-needed lunch break. Low blood sugar can reduce your brain’s supply of glucose. This impacts your ability to concentrate and perform basic tasks. Hunger and low energy from an insufficient glucose supply make this even worse. This drop in focus doesn’t just affect adults, though. Skipping meals can significantly impair your children’s attention span and quality of learning.
Feeling Dizzy
If you feel lightheaded after skipping a snack, it could mean that your blood sugar has dropped. Low glucose levels can activate your sympathetic nervous system, which then releases hormones that cause dizziness, hunger, and weakness. Additionally, dehydration may worsen this, so staying hydrated is essential if you wish to avoid feeling dizzy. However, dizziness can stem from other various conditions too, such as inner ear issues. So, if eating doesn’t help, it might be worth exploring other potential causes for the dizziness.
Feeling Shaky
Another signal that your blood sugar levels are low is that you begin to feel shaky. This is because when your blood sugar levels drop, your body releases adrenaline to prompt you to refuel. However, if you feel shaky after a meal, it could potentially indicate idiopathic postprandial syndrome (IPS), which can mimic low blood sugar symptoms, such as headache and dizziness. While an IPS diagnosis doesn’t typically require treatment, it’s helpful to recognize these signs.
Change in Vision
If things suddenly start to appear blurry, a dip in your blood sugar levels may be the cause. Hypoglycemia, especially in individuals with diabetes, can potentially trigger visual symptoms, such as blurred vision, “black spots,” or even double vision. Low glucose levels aren’t the only thing that can affect your eyesight, though. In fact, high blood sugar can also affect eyesight by causing lens swelling. Persistent visual changes should be discussed with your doctor as soon as possible to rule out other potential causes.
Your Speech is Slurry
Slurred speech can be a surprising sign of low blood sugar. This typically occurs when your glucose levels drop below 40 mg/dL. Experiencing this symptom, along with difficulty processing language, is an indication that it’s time to eat. Other moderate symptoms include muscle twitching, unsteady walking, and emotional fluctuations. Your symptoms develop incrementally as your blood sugar drops. Therefore, it can be useful to know the difference between mild and moderate symptoms so you can act accordingly.
Your Sleep Is Disrupted
Are you struggling to fall asleep? You’re not alone; in fact, about one-third of adults face chronic insomnia. Regular sleep disturbances can potentially stem from nocturnal hypoglycemia or low blood sugar at night. As mentioned earlier, your symptoms can also include night sweats and waking up feeling unrested or irritable. Maintaining a healthy sleep cycle is crucial for regulating your blood sugar, in addition to reducing obesity and diabetes risks.
Seizures and Coma
While most blood sugar dips can be quickly corrected, severe drops may require immediate action to avoid very serious complications, such as seizures, fainting, or even brain damage. For diabetics, dangerously low blood sugar can lead to a diabetic coma, which can also occur from high blood sugar. Early symptoms typically precede a coma, so it’s very important to raise your blood sugar gradually with glucose tablets or even regular soda.
Heart Palpitations
According to Health Direct, heart palpitations, a rapid heartbeat, or fluttering can also potentially indicate low blood sugar. Adrenaline is released when your glucose levels drop. This triggers a “fight-or-flight” response and thus causes these symptoms. Hypoglycemia can also lead to irregular heartbeat variations and reduced blood flow to the heart. This can potentially result in cardiac arrhythmia. While quite rare, this can sometimes lead to “dead in bed” syndrome in those diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.