What is hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar (glucose). The National Institute of Health suggests this is a level of 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or fewer, but ranges of when hypoglycemia symptoms occur vary with every individual. Hypoglycemia can bring on symptoms of shakiness, nervousness, sweating, and hunger. In more severe episodes, an individual may appear intoxicated–with slurred or incoherent speech, impaired motor function, and/or forgetfulness. If left untreated, hypoglycemia can induce a coma.
Hypoglycemic episodes can occur when people with diabetes take too much insulin without food, when they exert too much physical activity, or when they drink alcohol. If a person has had diabetes for a long time, they can also develop hypoglycemic unawareness, or the inability to sense low blood sugar levels. Regularly monitoring blood glucose levels, taking insulin doses according to physician instructions, and not skipping meals can help prevent hypoglycemic episodes.
Sources:
http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/hypoglycemia-low-blood.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypoglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc- 20373685
http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/hypoglycemia-low-blood.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypoglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc- 20373685
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