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Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a condition that should be brought to the attention of a physician. People with sugar diabetes are often bothered by low blood sugar, but people not having diabetes may also be affected by this condition. The causes of hypoglycemia are explained in the following by "The PDR Family Guide Encyclopedia of Medical Care", which was published in 1997 by Three Rivers Press. It says there are several possible causes of hypoglycemia. There can be too much insulin in the bloodstream, or there can be other factors such as pregnancy, a high fever, stomach surgery, or certain medications.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia are described in the following by "The American Medical Association Family Guide", which was published in 1982 by Random House. It says symptoms are unique to each individual, but the most common initial signs are feeling too warm and feeling uncomfortable. The person experiencing an attack of hypoglycemia usually begins to sweat heavily and may also experience shakiness, dizziness, hunger, vision disturbances, unsteadiness, tingling hands or lips, headache, and trouble with speech. A person with hypoglycemia may become unknowingly belligerent and can be mistaken for someone who has had too much alcohol. There can be serious consequences such as convulsions or loss of consciousness if treatment is not administered.
Although this condition should be brought to the attention of a medical professional, there are some suggestions for controlling hypoglycemia. "The PDR Family Guide Encyclopedia of Medical Care" suggests the following steps for controlling hypoglycemia. Skipping meals can bring about low blood sugar. It suggests eating smaller meals more often and regularly. High protein foods such as meat, cheese, eggs, nuts, and low-fat milk are great as between meal snacks. Carbohydrates should be obtained from foods like vegetables, fruits, breads, and potatoes, instead of from sugary carbohydrates having little to no nutritional value. Drinks containing alcohol should be avoided. They are especially bothersome when the stomach is empty.
When an attack of hypoglycemia has occurred, it is important to take measures to bring up blood sugar levels. "The American Medical Association Family Guide" says lumps of sugar, candy, or glucose tablets are good to carry in case of low blood sugar. These should be eaten when symptoms are first noticed. After several minutes blood sugar levels should be back to normal. The same book says a person with hypoglycemia should inform friends and family members of their condition and the symptoms to watch for. Other people should be made aware of what to do if an attack occurs. It says a confused or disoriented person can be given sips of fruit juice or small amounts of pancake syrup until they are strong enough to help themselves.
Hypoglycemia is often treated with an injection of a hormone called glucogen. The same article says this injection is usually given in a leg muscle or an arm, and it is a good substitute for glucose tablets. If this is an option you want to consider, talk to your doctor and find out if glucogen injections are right for you. If so, you will be instructed on how to give yourself an injection, and family members may also need to learn how in case of an emergency.
Hypoglycemia can be dangerous if it is not kept under control. "The PDR Family Guide Encyclopedia of Medical Care" says a person with hypoglycemia should not work with heavy machinery or drive a vehicle. Learning to recognize the warning signs of an attack is important so prompt measures can be taken to raise blood sugar levels. "The American Medical Association Family Guide" says if blood sugar levels continue to drop, loss of consciousness can occur. In diabetics, severe hypoglycemia that goes untreated can lead to seizures, coma, or even death.
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