5 common causes of low blood sugar you should know

Low blood sugar, medically known as hypoglycemia, is a condition that occurs when the glucose levels in your blood drop below the normal range.

Glucose is the body’s primary source of energy, and when levels fall too low, it can disrupt bodily functions.

What Is Low Blood Sugar?

Hypoglycemia is generally defined as a blood sugar level below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). While mild hypoglycemia can be treated easily, severe cases can lead to seizures, unconsciousness, or even death if left unaddressed.

What Causes Low Blood Sugar?

Low blood sugar can occur for a variety of reasons. Here are the most common causes:

1. Diabetes Medications

People with diabetes, especially those who take insulin or sulfonylureas, are at a high risk of hypoglycemia. These medications lower blood sugar, and without adequate food or activity balance, they can lower it too much.

2. Skipping Meals or Delayed Eating

Going too long without eating or skipping meals, especially after taking diabetes medication, can cause a significant drop in blood sugar.

3. Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Drinking alcohol, especially on an empty stomach, can interfere with the liver’s ability to release glucose into the bloodstream.

4. Intense Physical Activity

Exercising more than usual without adjusting your food intake or medication can lead to hypoglycemia.

5. Certain Medical Conditions

Liver disease, kidney disorders, hormone deficiencies, and insulin-producing tumours (insulinomas) can also cause low blood sugar.

Symptoms of low blood sugar

Early Symptoms:

• Shakiness or trembling
• Sweating (even when it’s not hot)
• Hunger or feeling suddenly ravenous
• Fatigue or weakness
• Irritability or mood changes
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
• Anxiety or nervousness

Neurological Symptoms (as blood sugar drops further):

• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Slurred speech
• Clumsiness or uncoordinated movements
• Tingling or numbness in lips, tongue, or cheeks

Severe Symptoms (if untreated):

• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Coma

Severe hypoglycemia can be life-threatening. If someone shows signs of confusion, seizure, or unconsciousness, seek medical help immediately.

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is a serious condition that affects both diabetics and non-diabetics alike.

Diabetic Hypoglycemia

Diabetic hypoglycemia refers specifically to low blood sugar in people who have diabetes. It’s often a side effect of diabetes treatment, especially when insulin or certain oral medications are used.

Symptoms of Diabetic Hypoglycemia

• Sweating
• Shakiness or trembling
• Rapid heartbeat
• Hunger
• Irritability or mood swings
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Loss of coordination

In severe cases, it can cause seizures, unconsciousness, or even death.

Who Suffers from Low Blood Sugar?

While people with diabetes are most commonly affected, non-diabetics can also experience hypoglycemia. This includes:

• Individuals with hormonal imbalances
• Those with eating disorders
• People with severe liver or kidney diseases
• Children and infants, especially when ill or fasting
• People taking certain medications, like quinine or some antibiotics

What to Avoid When You Have Low Blood Sugar

If you’re prone to hypoglycemia or are currently experiencing it, here’s what to avoid:

• Skipping meals
• Excessive alcohol intake
• High-sugar snacks that may spike and then crash your blood sugar (go for complex carbs)
• Intense exercise without a proper food plan
• Caffeine, which may mask symptoms like shakiness or rapid heart rate

What Is a Normal Blood Sugar Level?

Blood sugar levels vary slightly depending on the time of day and whether you’ve eaten. Here’s a general guide:

• Fasting (before meals): 70–99 mg/dL
• Two hours after meals: Less than 140 mg/dL
• Hypoglycemia: Below 70 mg/dL

If levels fall below 54 mg/dL, this is considered clinically significant hypoglycemia and requires immediate action.

What Happens if Blood Sugar Gets Too Low While Sleeping?

Low blood sugar at night, known as nocturnal hypoglycemia, can be dangerous because the person may not wake up or recognise the symptoms. It can cause:

• Night sweats
• Nightmares
• Restless sleep
• Headaches upon waking
• In extreme cases: seizures or coma

If you’re diabetic, it’s important to monitor your levels before bed and consider a small bedtime snack if levels are low.

Immediate Treatment

If you suspect low blood sugar:

• Consume 15–20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, such as: glucose tablets, half a cup of juice or regular soda, or one tablespoon of sugar or honey.
• Recheck your blood sugar after 15 minutes.
• Repeat if still below 70 mg/dL.
• Once normalised, eat a small snack with protein or complex carbs to maintain levels.

For severe hypoglycemia, especially if the person is unconscious, seek emergency medical attention immediately.