How to recognize hypoglycemia and what to do with it

What is hypoglycemia

If you translate the word is from the Greek literally, you get something like "blood savory." Actually, the Greek Aesculapius - the discoverers of the state - indeed determined hypoglycemia taste.

Modern doctors also give a more physiological formulation. hypoglycemiaHypoglycemia - a condition in which the sharply reduced level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. And really fluid becomes less sweet. But the problem, of course, not the case.

Glucose - the main source of energy in our body. When she was in abundance, we feel refreshed and full of energy. But if the blood sugar level drops, the organs and tissues do not have enough food. Sometimes catastrophically.

The dangerous hypoglycemia

A situation where the glucose level falls below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg / dl), or 3.9 millimoles per liter (mmol / l), requires immediate reaction. Fortunately, most often to help is simple: to return to normal sugar, enough to give a person food or drink containing a large amount of

fast carbohydratesThat as quickly turn into glucose in the body, - a couple of cubes of lump sugar, candy, a handful of raisins, sweet drinks or juice.

But if you ignore the fall in glucose levels, may be a serious health problem - up to the loss of consciousness, seizures, cardiac lesions, blood vessels, the brain and the development of hypoglycemic coma.

What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia

Recognize the abnormal state is simple: it has a fairly typical symptoms that occur one after the other with the growth of glucose deficiency. Initially symptoms suchHypoglycemia: Overview:

• unexplained anxiety, irritability;
• hunger;
• light nausea;
• heart palpitations;
• pale skin;
• sweating;
• dizzy;
• weakness;
• trembling fingers;
• feeling as if numb lips and tongue.

If blood sugar levels continue to drop, add other features:

• loss of concentration;
• Blackouts;
• confusion;
• and so on up to convulsions and fainting.

When should I seek immediate help

Call your doctor (general practitioner or endocrinologist) or, depending on the gravity of the situation, dial emergency number at 103, if:

• you are one and you feel that is about to lose consciousness;
• Symptoms of hypoglycemia are growing, and does not reduce drunk juice or eaten chocolate;
• a man with signs of glucose deficiency, your eyes lost consciousness;
• you suffer from diabetes and the symptoms are feeling the growing shortage of sugar at a time when the hand is not carbohydrate food or needed medications.

Why do I get hypoglycemia and what to do

Hypoglycemia is good (if I may say so) in that it is relatively easy to reverse. But even easier to avoid altogether. For this we need to understand what causes this condition cause.

1. Taking certain medications for diabetes

In this disease, the blood sugar level increases. This is due to the lack of (diabetes the first type) or organism immunity (type II diabetes), insulin - to "key" which passes glucose into cells. Because organs and tissues can not take sugar from the blood stream, blood glucose oversaturated. This condition is called hyperglycemia. It is not less, but rather more harmful than hypoglycemia.

To prevent hyperglycemia, diabetics taking insulin or other drugs that reduce the amount of sugar in the blood. Accidental overdose of such drugs leads to a sharp drop in blood glucose.

What to do

Be careful to doses of medications being taken. If hypoglycaemia attacks still repeat, be sure to tell us about them watching you doctor-endocrinologist. He will correct dose or may prescribe an alternative drug.

2. malnutrition

The amount of glucose in the blood is reduced in those who regularly skip meals techniques (such as breakfast), sitting on a strict diet or suffering from eating disorders. It is especially dangerous to limit yourself to food for those who suffer from diabetes. Immediately after the injection of insulin should definitely eat something - even an apple. Insulin causes the cells to literally suck the glucose from the blood, and if you do not replenish its reserves, you can bring yourself to an attack of hypoglycemia.

What to do

Calorie deficit does not necessarily lead to hypoglycemia. But if this happens, review diet. Try to eat small meals, but on a regular basis - every few hours. And remember bite immediately after reception of insulin when suffering from diabetes.

Also, avoid dehydration. Its symptoms (dizziness, nervousness, darkening of the eyes) are often similar to the symptoms of hypoglycemia.

3. Physical activity on an empty stomach

If you have not eaten, blood sugar levels will expectedly low. A vigorous training in the gym will force your body to use even more glucose.

What to do

If the mark at the first symptoms of hypoglycaemia, immediately reduce the load, for example, reduce the number of repetitions or even complete training. And remember for the future: to avoid sugar falling, it is important to eat a half to two hours before sports activities.

4. Excessive alcohol consumption

If you drink a lot of alcohol, not having a snack, your liver is too busy detoxification. It hurt her to release glucose into the blood, which may lead to hypoglycemia.

What to do

Try to stop drinking. Or maximum limit alcohol consumption.

5. Diseases of internal organs

The reason for regular bouts of hypoglycemia may include:

• Pancreatic tumor (insulinoma) which causes overproduction of insulin in the body.
• Liver - for example, the same hepatitis.
• kidney disease. Because of this, the body can not quickly enough to excrete drugs. A certain accumulation of drug in the blood is able to dramatically reduce the level of glucose.

What to do

If hypoglycaemic symptoms recur regularly, even though you are trying to eat properly and do not have diabetes, be sure to complain to them her therapist. The doctor will conduct inspection and appointed a number of tests to rule out or confirm the possible diseases of internal organs.

If any of the diseases is confirmed, first of all it is necessary to cure it. A hypoglycemia in this case will leave by itself - as a bonus.