Low blood sugar, hypoglycaemia symptoms

My husband is 40 years old & now he has low sugar level. What diet & how much quantity I have to give. Please advice me. I am very stressed.
(October 11, 2010)

Low blood sugar is technically known as hypoglycemia. It is a condition where the amount of glucose in the blood is lower than normal. Glucose is used in the body as a source of energy. When the level of blood glucose is normal, the body will have sufficient nutrition available to it. This glucose is absorbed into the cells of the body.


Here, in the presence of oxygen, a process called metabolism takes place. During this process, energy and heat are generated. The energy is used for the basic processes of the tissues in the area where as heat is used to maintain the body temperature at its normal range. When the individual experiences low blood sugar levels, his or her body will be starved of nutrition. This means that the body will not receive its normal quota of nutrition which is a dangerous condition.

Human eating habits mean that food consumption occurs three or four times a day. The body, meanwhile, requires a continuous supply of energy as the activities performed by do not cease between meals. Excess glucose is thus stored as glycogen in the muscles of the body and in the liver as well. This reserve is accessed between meals to ensure that energy is available at all times. Glucose can also be stored as fat which is used for energy at times of severe food deprivation. This deprivation may also occur if one is exercising for long periods of time. It is, in fact, this process that helps an individual lose weight.

Prolonged periods of low blood sugar can be harmful to an individual. It is therefore necessary to understand the low blood sugar symptoms so that steps can be taken to avoid this condition. The most common symptoms of low blood sugar levels are tremors, hunger, weakness, dizziness and cognitive confusion. This is actually slightly problematic when it comes to low blood sugar. The cognitive confusion of an individual may make it difficult for the individual to access food. However, this happens when there is severe blood sugar deprivation and is avoidable if the condition is tackled immediately.

Hypoglycemia is caused, in most cases, by improper nutrition. It is possible that an individual is suffering from digestive problems that cause vomiting or diarrhea. These conditions may prompt a greater disposal of food than is necessary. The individual may end up with insufficient nutrition because food has not been properly absorbed in the digestive system. A person suffering from diabetes is at risk of suffering from both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. In many cases, excessive medication leads to the development of a condition of hypoglycemia as the body’s sugar levels become so depressed that there is a shortage of sugar. Many people also rely on diets with low sugar content for various health reasons. If this diet is extreme, then it may lead to sugar deprivation as well.

Low blood sugar is tackled by consuming foods that are high on the glycemic index. Once the sugar level has been restored to near normal levels, a normal diet can be resumed.

Blood sugar or blood glucose is essential for providing our body with energy. This energy is mainly derived from carbohydrates which are broken down into glucose and absorbed in the blood stream. Insulin plays an important role in this process. Sometimes, however, our body performs this operation too fast, leading to a dip in blood sugar. Blood sugar levels can be checked with the help of a simple blood test carried out on an empty stomach and again after taking a meal. This indicates the rate at which the body is processing carbohydrates into energy. When blood sugar levels are low, a diagnosis of hypoglycaemia is made.

Hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar, has a number of symptoms. A person suffering from low blood sugar levels is quite likely to experience some of these symptoms: weakness, mood swings, headaches, nervousness, irritability, nausea. In severe cases there have also been reports of visual disturbances, shaking, sweating, confusion, palpitation, anxiety, dizziness and fatigue.

Hypoglycaemia is usually treated with a combination of drugs and lifestyle changes, including diet modification. Here is some of what your husband can do to stay fit:

A.      He must lose weight if he is overweight since excess fat interferes with the function of insulin.

B.      Avoid alcohol and caffeine in any form at all, since they cause blood sugar levels to drop significantly.

C.      Avoid refined or simple carbohydrates like white bread and refined sugars like maple syrup, table sugar, golden syrup, molasses, caster or icing sugar. These foods are too easily broken down and absorbed and a temporary rush of energy after eating is followed by a dip in sugar levels.

D.      Increase the intake of complex carbohydrates like whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat crackers etc. These complex carbs also come with the extra benefit of fibre and therefore, it takes much longer for the body to digest them. This in turn avoids sharp ups and downs in blood sugar levels that are common in hypoglycaemia.

E.      In keeping with the same principle as above, always eat a whole fruit and avoid fruit juices. Whole fruit provides fibre and natural sugars, which fruit juice (which is often diluted and/or artificially sweetened) does not.

F.      Increase protein intake as protein is an essential in maintaining the energy and warmth in the body. Good sources are eggs, meat, fish, poultry, tofu and legumes. Have at least two helpings for the day.