Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar is when your blood glucose level falls too low. For people with diabetes, hypoglycemia usually occurs when blood glucose is less than 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

When your blood glucose level falls too low, you need to take action to get it back up into a normal range. That usually means consuming 15 grams of a fast-digesting carbohydrate, such as half a cup of orange juice or a serving of glucose tablets.

If left untreated and your blood glucose level continues to decline, your brain may not get enough glucose, which may lead to seizures or a coma.

Hypoglycemia symptoms vary, and it’s important to know your signs and symptoms to take action right away. Common symptoms of hypoglycemia include:

•Shakiness

•Dizzy or lightheadedness

•Feeling nervous or anxious

•Sweating or chills

•Hunger

•Nausea

•Sleepiness

•Blurry vision

•Confusion

•Poor coordination

The best way to know your hypoglycemic symptoms is to check your blood glucose number. If you’re feeling shaky or unwell, test your blood sugar.

It’s also possible to have low blood sugar and not have any symptoms. At Evolve Diabetes & Wellness, Dr. Loyd recommends continuous blood glucose monitoring so you know your numbers.

Anyone can develop hypoglycemia. However, it’s more common in people with Type 1 diabetes and people with Type 2 diabetes who take insulin.

You can develop hypoglycemia if you give yourself too much insulin or don’t eat enough. Too much physical activity may also cause hypoglycemia.

Ms. Loyd understands how you might fear insulin, eating, and hypoglycemia, given the symptoms it causes and the potential complications. Ms. Loyd is a diabetes specialist and a person with Type 1 diabetes. She understands your fears and works closely with you to prevent hypoglycemic episodes and put your fears to rest.

Dr. Loyd works closely with you, developing a plan to prevent hypoglycemia. Before making any recommendations or changes to your usual routine, she first has you do continuous blood glucose checks. That helps her identify what’s causing hypoglycemia.

Once she understands your biology, she designs a plan to keep your blood glucose level steady. Your plan might include medication modifications, diet counseling, exercise, and continuous blood glucose monitoring.

To learn how to prevent hypoglycemia and stop living in fear, call Evolve Diabetes & Wellness or schedule an appointment online today.