What level of Low Blood Sugar is Dangerous

November 28, 2024

What is Low Blood Sugar?

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) occurs when the glucose level in your blood drops below normal, typically under 70 mg/dL. Glucose is the body's primary source of energy, and low levels can affect brain function and overall body performance. It is common in people with diabetes, but it can also occur in those without the condition due to factors like inadequate nutrition, excessive alcohol consumption, or certain medications.

Symptoms of low blood sugar can include shakiness, dizziness, sweating, confusion, irritability, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or seizures.

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

The symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can vary depending on the severity but commonly include:

1. Shakiness or trembling

2. Sweating excessively

3. Dizziness or lightheadedness

4. Hunger or cravings for sweet foods

5. Confusion or difficulty concentrating

6. Irritability or mood swings

7. Fatigue or weakness

8. Rapid heartbeat or palpitations

9. Blurred vision

10. Headache

11. Pale skin

In severe cases, hypoglycemia can lead to seizures, unconsciousness, or coma, requiring immediate medical attention.

Dangerous Blood Sugar Levels

Dangerous blood sugar levels for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) typically occur when levels drop below 70 mg/dL, though severity increases as levels decrease further.

1. Mild Hypoglycemia (70-55 mg/dL): Symptoms like shakiness, sweating, dizziness, and hunger may appear.

2. Moderate Hypoglycemia (54-40 mg/dL): Symptoms intensify, including confusion, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

3. Severe Hypoglycemia (Below 40 mg/dL): This is a medical emergency. It can cause loss of consciousness, seizures, and may result in brain damage or death if not treated immediately.

Note: It's important to treat low blood sugar promptly to prevent it from reaching dangerous levels.

Causes of Low Blood Sugar

Causes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) include:

1. Medications: Especially insulin or other diabetes medications that lower blood sugar too much.

2. Skipping Meals: Not eating for an extended period can cause blood sugar to drop.

3. Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol, especially on an empty stomach, can interfere with the liver's ability to release glucose.

4. Intense Physical Activity: Exercise uses up glucose, and if not balanced with food intake, it can lead to hypoglycemia.

5. Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions like liver disease, kidney problems, or hormonal imbalances can cause blood sugar to drop.

6. Poor Diet: Eating a diet that lacks balance or skips carbohydrates can result in low blood sugar levels.

7. Illness: Infections or other illnesses can affect the body’s glucose levels and insulin production.

Monitoring blood sugar levels and managing triggers can help prevent hypoglycemia, especially in people with diabetes.

How to Treat and Prevent Hypoglycemia

How to Treat Hypoglycemia:

1. Consume Fast-Acting Carbs: Eat or drink 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates such as:

Glucose tablets or gel

Fruit juice (about 4 oz)

Regular soda (not diet)

Honey or sugar

2. Wait 15 Minutes: Allow time for your blood sugar to rise. Recheck your levels if possible.

3. Repeat if Necessary: If symptoms persist, repeat the process until blood sugar improves.

4. Eat a Balanced Meal: After recovery, eat a meal or snack with carbohydrates, protein, and fat to stabilize your blood sugar.

How to Prevent Hypoglycemia:

1. Monitor Blood Sugar Regularly: Keep track of your blood sugar levels, especially if you're on diabetes medication.

2. Eat Regular Meals: Avoid skipping meals and aim for balanced, consistent meals throughout the day.

3. Adjust Medications Carefully: Work with a doctor to adjust medications or insulin based on your diet and activity levels.

4. Carry Snacks: Always have a quick source of carbohydrates with you in case of an emergency.

5. Limit Alcohol: If you drink, do so with food and in moderation to avoid blood sugar drops.

6. Stay Active, But Adjust for Exercise: Adjust your insulin or food intake before intense physical activity to prevent hypoglycemia.

7. Educate Those Around You: Make sure friends, family, and coworkers know how to help in case of severe hypoglycemia.

Preventing hypoglycemia involves careful management of diet, medications, and lifestyle factors.

When to Seek Medical Help

Seek medical help for hypoglycemia if:

1. Symptoms are severe (confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness).

2. Blood sugar remains low despite treatment.

3. You’re unable to treat the hypoglycemia yourself.

4. You experience frequent or severe episodes.

5. Someone else loses consciousness or is unresponsive.

Timely medical care is essential for safety and recovery.

Shri Chyawan's Ayurvedic Solution

Our ayurveda experts have formulated an ayurvedic medicine for diabetics - Diabetes Care Kit. It helps to control your blood sugar levels. This Ayurvedic medicine is meticulously crafted to assist in maintaining balanced blood sugar levels, promoting overall well-being through natural ingredients.

Shri Chyawan Diabetes Care Kit

The Kit contains four types of ayurvedic medicine that play a major role in the management of blood sugar levels:

Madhumoksh Vati
Chandraprabha Vati
Karela & Jamun Ras
Giloy Juice

1. Madhumoksh Vati - Shri Chyawan Ayurveda's Madhumoksh Vati Supports healthy blood sugar levels in the body and removes the problems caused by it.

Ingredients: The main ingredients used in Madhumoksh Vati are vasant kusumakarra, madhumeh harirasa, neem panchang, jamun beej, gudmar, karela beej, talmakhna, jalneem, amla, and baheda.

How To Use: If blood sugar level of patient is 200mg/dl, then he/she is required to take 2 tablet, twice a day, before meal or as directed by the physician.

2. Chandrabha vati - Shri Chyawan Ayurveda's Chandraprabha vati Supports healthy uric acid levels and may contribute to overall wellness.

Ingredients: It consists of Amla, Sandalwood, Daruharidra, Devdaru, Camphor, Cinnamon, and Pipal.

How To Use: Consume 1 tablet at night before going to bed. or as Directed by the Physician.

3. Karela Jamun Ras - Shri Chyawan Karela Jamun Ras supports metabolic health and may contribute to balanced blood sugar levels in the body and Jamun contains jamboline and jambosine, which are believed to support metabolic health.

Ingredients: The main ingredients of this juice/ras are Karela and Jamun juice.

How To Use: Consume 10ml, twice a day, after 1 hour post lunch and dinner or as Directed by the Physician.

4. Giloy Ras: Giloy Ras is an herbal and ayurvedic supplement known for its potential health benefits, including supporting overall well-being and Supports healthy blood sugar levels in the body.

Ingredients: It consists of juice extracted from Giloy.

How To Use: For children 5ml-10ml,

For adults 10ml-20ml, thrice a day. or as Directed by the Physician.

Conclusion

In conclusion, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can be dangerous if not properly managed. Recognizing symptoms, understanding dangerous blood sugar levels, and knowing when to seek help are crucial for preventing serious complications. By following treatment steps, maintaining a balanced diet, monitoring blood sugar, and adjusting lifestyle habits, you can effectively manage and prevent hypoglycemia. Always be proactive in managing your health and seek medical help when necessary to ensure your safety.