Low Blood Sugar Levels – Discussing the Various Stages of Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a condition that occurs when blood sugar levels dip lower than the normal levels. It is necessary to watch out for signs of this condition lest it can create a lot of problems. Following a healthy lifestyle and good eating habits are important to treat hypoglycemia.
Low Blood Sugar Levels – Causes and Treatment
Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels can occur suddenly and predominantly affects people in extremes of age (either in infants or elderly). The condition is usually mild and can be treated quickly by consuming small amounts of glucose rich food. However, when symptoms of this condition are not observed when they occur, it can pose dangerous problems. Many reasons are attributed to low blood sugar levels and include insulin overmedication, use of drugs such as pentamidine, beta blockers and trimethoprim, alcohol consumption, missed meals, severe infection, cancer involving liver, adrenal insufficiency, kidney or liver failure, congenital defects in insulin release and some kinds of tumor. Treating hypoglycemia is usually done through having specific diabetic medications, following a wise meal schedule, routine blood checks and refraining from using alcoholic beverages.
Signs of Low Blood Sugar – List of Symptoms
It is imperative that you watch out for signs of low blood sugar since they can be potentially hazardous. They can even prove to be fatal in certain cases. It is important to eat small meals including protein periodically. A carbohydrate meal or snack with no or little protein can pose risk of signs of low blood sugar. Some of the primary symptoms when blood sugar levels dip include sudden hunger pangs, change of skin color and feeling of weakness and/or shakiness. Your heart rate may instantly accelerate and your mouth may start to feel numb. You can become tired or sleepy or even dizzy. Activities needing constant attention and concentration like driving must not be done while experiencing such symptoms. Headaches, confusion, lack of ability to concentrate, profuse sweating and blurred vision are some of the other signs.
Low Blood Sugar Diet – What to Eat
A good low blood sugar diet is expected to slow down food absorption. There are many categories of foods that help to manage your blood sugar levels thereby restricting it from dipping. Fruits tend to have high sugar content but if you are planning to begin with your hypoglycemic diet, berries are an excellent option. They are low in both sugar and calories and packed with multiple nutrients. Purple skinned eggplant is a good source of phenols and also helps to control high blood pressure. It is recommended to consume at least nine handfuls of veggies and fruits and one ounce of nuts daily. Eating a lot of fiber rich food, whole grain breads and cereals is important. Dietary fiber is significant in a hypoglycemic diet. Steam, poach, grill or bake fish to give you generous doses of protein besides keeping your blood sugar levels steady.