Normal blood sugar (slightly too low)

Low blood sugar, clinical name hypoglycemia, is a condition in which blood sugar levels in the body fall too low. Generally, a blood sugar level between 80 and 100 milligrams per deciliter is considered to be in normal range. When this level falls below 80, individuals may develop symptoms of low blood sugar.

This condition often occurs in people with diabetes, when they try to control high glucose levels and the level falls too low. However, low blood sugar can occur from other causes, such as going for long periods without eating, from certain medications and from specific medical conditions.

Diabetes and Low Blood Sugar

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin. In type-1 diabetes, the body cannot produce any insulin. In type-2 diabetes, insulin is produced, but the body cannot utilize it properly. In both cases, insulin builds up in the bloodstream and causes damage to blood vessels and internal organs. Diabetics use diet, exercise and medications to control high blood sugar levels. As a result, blood sugar levels may fall too low, causing hypoglycemia.

Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar

The disturbance in normal blood sugar levels can cause a variety of symptoms, which may be different in each individual. Common symptoms include:

·    Extreme hunger
·    Nausea
·    Sweating
·    Shakiness, weakness or nervousness
·    Headache
·    Rapid heartbeat
·    Confusion or concentration problems

Recognizing Low Blood Sugar

Individuals who have been diagnosed with diabetes learn to monitor their blood sugar levels closely. When blood sugar drops below normal levels, they learn to recognize the signs, such as dizziness or nausea. Diabetics often have a glucometer to determine if low blood sugar is the cause. Test strips can also determine if blood sugar levels have dropped too low. They can then take measures to raise their blood sugar to a normal range.

Raising Low Blood Sugar

To quickly raise low blood sugar to a normal level, medical professionals advise consuming one of the following:

·    ½ cup orange juice
·    ½ cup apple juice
·    1 cup fat-free milk
·    1 small apple
·    3 tablespoons of raisins
·    15 grapes
·    6 large jelly beans
·    1 tablespoon of honey, jam or jelly
·    3 to 4 glucose tablets

If you are diabetic and have frequent bouts of low blood sugar, talk to your physician about changing your medication. If you are not diabetic, adjust your schedule to ensure that you eat on time and see your doctor for a thorough physical to rule out any illness that may be causing the problem.