Low blood sugar levels can be risky. At an event in Siliguri, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari reportedly felt sick after coming down from the stage. He felt dizzy, and as per sources, it was found that it was a reaction to the antibiotics he took from a throat infection. Reportedly, Gadkari had a throat infection and took a strong dose of antibiotics, which led to dizziness during the event. This is not the first time he has fainted during an event. There were a couple of incidents in the last few months where he fainted at events due to lower sugar levels.
Scroll down to know all about low sugar levels and what you can do to manage these levels.
What is low blood sugar or hypoglycemia?
Did you know glucose is the main source of energy in your body? In simple words, it is the main sugar in your blood that comes from the food you eat. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) defines hypoglycemia or low blood glucose as a drop in your glucose below the levels considered healthy. This condition requires immediate attention, especially if your blood sugar levels drop below 70 mg/dL.
As per NIDDK, low blood glucose levels can rise due to certain medications, lack of carbohydrates, fasting, increasing physical activity suddenly, drinking too much alcohol, and falling sick.
Symptoms of low blood sugar
Here are some of the common symptoms of hypoglycemia, as per the data of several medical authorities:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Hunger
- Nausea
- Looking pale
- Numbness
- Lethargy
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Sweating
- Shakiness
- Irregular heartbeat
In severe cases, the following signs of hypoglycemia include:
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Inability to coordinate
- Blurry vision
- Unusual behaviour
How to manage blood sugar levels?
Here are some ways to help you keep your low blood sugar levels in check, as per NIDDK.
1. Consume enough carbohydrates
Not all carbs are unhealthy, and eating carbohydrates is vital if you suffer from hypoglycemia! Your digestive system breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which enters your bloodstream and causes your blood glucose levels to elevate. A diet low in carbohydrates can cause your blood sugar levels to drop.
2. Don’t try too much too fast during exercise
While working out is good for your health, doing too much too fast can be dangerous. Make sure you are not trying to do too much during exercise. Also, make sure you check your blood glucose levels before, after and during physical activity.
3. Avoid fasting
Starving yourself is never a good idea, whether or not you have low blood sugar levels! When you don’t eat enough, and your body runs out of the glycogen it needs to produce glucose. Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa is one example of how a poor diet can increase your risk of hypoglycemia.
4. Keep a check on your blood glucose levels
One way to maintain your blood sugar levels is by checking it regularly. Unawareness is the worst culprit here! A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can be an excellent choice if you frequently experience hypoglycemia. You can track your levels with CGM, which will help you avoid sudden problems.
5. Consult your doctor
The best way to avoid low blood sugar levels is to seek medical advice from your doctor. Find out if any medicine you are taking can result in low blood glucose levels. They will help you understand the underlying cause of the disease and suggest ways to manage the symptoms.
(With inputs from PTI)
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