Low blood sugar is a common problem faced by people of all genders and ages. A short-term drop in glucose levels is considered quite normal, associated with the use of certain foods or physical activity. But if hypoglycemia is persistent, then this is a cause for concern.
Low blood sugar: why is it dangerous?
It's no secret that glucose is the main source of energy for the body. In particular, the human brain can only work if there is enough sugar in the blood. With a decrease in its quantity, the normal functioning of the nervous system is disturbed. For example, with a strong lack of glucose, the brain simply turns off, as a result of which a person loses consciousness. And long-term sugar deficiency leads to gradual, but, unfortunately, irreversible damage to the nervous system.
Chronic hypoglycemia affects the whole body, inin particular, there are serious disturbances in normal metabolism.
As mentioned above, low blood sugar can be the result of physical or nervous overexertion, when the body consumes the received simple carbohydrates too quickly. Glucose deficiency can also be caused by a lack of this substance in food, which often happens with strict diets or starvation. In addition, there are various herbs and fruits that lower blood sugar. For example, eating large amounts of tangerines, apricots, plums, apples, blueberries, almonds, cinnamon can lead to the development of hypoglycemia. But what if the decrease in glucose levels is not related to diet or physical activity?
Low blood sugar: main causes
Yes, hypoglycemia is a serious cause for concern. After all, such a condition may indicate a mass of disorders and diseases.
- In some cases, low glucose levels are associated with the intake of certain drugs, such as drugs containing steroid hormones, as well as amphetamines.
- In addition, hypoglycemia may indicate diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which are accompanied by impaired absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine.
- Quite often the cause is a tumor of the pancreas, the growth of which is accompanied by an increase in the level of secreted insulin.
- And, of course, in patients with diabetes, glucose deficiency can be causedinsulin overdose.
Low blood sugar: main symptoms
In fact, hypoglycemia is accompanied by a number of characteristic symptoms, the intensity of which depends on the level of glucose drop. Specifically, symptoms include:
- Permanent chronic fatigue.
- A person cannot sleep and suffers from constant bouts of sleepiness throughout the day.
- Symptoms include lethargy, lethargy, difficulty concentrating.
- Dizziness is a fairly common problem in patients, especially if they do not have the opportunity to eat on time.
- As already mentioned, with a sharp decrease in sugar, loss of consciousness is possible.
In any case, if you have such disturbing signs, you should consult a doctor and take a blood test. Only a laboratory test will help determine the level of glucose.
