The Changes You Need To Make To Manage Hypoglycemia

Do you test your blood sugar levels? Some people develop a condition of low blood sugar without their knowledge. Hypoglycemia happens when you have high insulin levels but low levels of glucose in your blood. This is a case where your blood sugar shows figures that are below 70mg/dl.

Some people assume that low blood sugar has to occur when you have diabetes. Doctors disagree since hypoglycemia is sometimes diagnosed in patients without diabetes. Catching the symptoms early enough can save you from seizures or other medical emergencies. We will look at this condition closely to help you understand what causes it, the signs and how to handle the condition. Enjoy!

What are the signs of hypoglycemia?

Fortunately, the signs of this condition show early meaning you can detect low blood sugar before it worsens and get treatment for it. The common signs include sweating, dizziness, anxiety, hunger, shakiness, and headaches.

Some people also show symptoms when they are asleep such as excessive sweating, nightmares, and exhaustion. Failure to treat it on time can lead to severe symptoms like drowsiness, muscle weakness, convulsions, confusion or even death.

How can you minimize the risk of hypoglycemia?

Know the type of hypoglycemia you are dealing with

After understanding the symptoms of this condition, you should identify which type you have. It can either be reactive or functional. In the case of functional hypoglycemia, your body experiences glucose regulation that is not normal. This dysfunction has no known source.

You can, however, get reactive hypoglycemia from poor nutrition and high-stress levels. You can manage this condition by changing your lifestyle and diet. Functional hypoglycemia is treated through the use of medications.

Check the labels of drugs carefully

Another cause of hypoglycemia is some medicines. Doctors say that some insulin injections, malaria drugs, and antidepressants may cause this disease. Confirm the ingredients of medicines before use. Google the medication to find out if it contains any side effects and let your doctor know how you are feeling from taking medication.

Take glucose tests

You should take a glucose tolerance test if you are experiencing any symptoms. Remember not to eat for at least 8 hours before your test so that the components do not interfere with your blood sample. You can also bring your urine sample for testing.

Reduce stress

When you are stressed, your body generates hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine which interfere with the regulation and production of glucose. Recognize things that stress you out and find ways of managing them to reduce the risk of getting hypoglycemia.

You can maintain a journal that helps you express your feelings through writing or meditate to reduce high-stress levels. Get a friend to share life challenges with so that you can reduce the burden in your heart and improve your health.

Avoid intense training

Training too hard is also another cause of hypoglycemia. By pushing your body too hard, your blood sugar levels go down. Do exercises in moderation and avoid working out on an empty stomach. Take at least a snack before you start working out and another afterward to maintain healthy blood sugar.

Avoid working out at night before sleeping. Schedule the training program such that you take some sessionsonly once a day and not more than that. For those with diabetes, avoid training after your insulin injection. You should not exercise when the levels of insulin in your body are very high.

Avoid substance abuse

Teen drug abuse leads to binge drinking which is a significant cause of hypoglycemia. Drugs such as alcohol and tobacco interfere with normal blood sugar levels. Those who take alcohol without eating anything at a higher risk of getting this disease since the condition can develop a few days after consumption.

Though it is advised to take a snack when drinking, abstaining from such drugs is the best way to prevent yourself from the disease. This will also keep you away from getting addicted to such substances.

Get rid of the extra pounds

A high percentage of people who develop diabetes are overweight. Reactive hypoglycemia is the first phase of pre-diabetes. Getting rid of the excess weight prevents you from both conditions and allows your body to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Making small progress in weight loss reduces your chances of getting hypoglycemia and diabetes. Therefore, start with brisk walking or jogging every day. Skipping and swimming are also effective training techniques that are not intense.

Take glucose tablets

You can improve your sugar levels by taking glucose tablets. Your doctor can prescribe such pills if you start experiencing symptoms. You can also get the tablets from local pharmacies. Remember to observe the right dosage for them to work correctly.

Get proper nutrition

Minimize your intake of carbohydrates. These contain structures which get broken down easily in your body to form glucose. You should not take foods such as such soda, milk, and cookies since they affect your blood sugar and may cause hypoglycemia. Replace carbs with whole grains and fiber since they control the amount of blood sugar in your body. Ensure you increase your vegetable intake and take fish or lean meat.

Get a meal schedule

Infrequent eating without a specific plan can lead to hypoglycemia. You should not take more than six meals in one day. The portions of these meals should be small. Alternatively, you can consume big meals only thrice a day. Some few snacks in the day are advisable. This schedule ensures that your glucose levels are consistent as you keep track of your eating habits.

Get a food journal and record your foods against particular periods. Observe any symptoms of hypoglycemia and eliminate foods that may be causing the symptoms. Check for any improvements so that you can know which meals are safe for your body and which are not.

Final thoughts

Hypoglycemia is a disease that you can control by observing your diet and lifestyle. Implement the techniques above as you monitor your blood sugar regularly.