12 signs of hypoglycemia

12 signs of hypoglycemia

Every cell needs energy to allow the body to function efficiently. The main energy source is glucose, also known as blood sugar. Glucose is essential for digestion, heart function, and brain function, as well as for maintaining healthy vision and skin.  Blood sugar levels  fluctuate throughout the day  . However, when they drop below 70 mg/dL, it is referred to as low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia. There are a number of signs of hypoglycemia to watch out for. This article discusses 12 signs of hypoglycemia.

I start to sweat

Woman sweats due to low blood sugar.
Source: Pixabay

Have you ever experienced sweating and a clammy feeling, even when it wasn’t that warm? Sweating before lunch can indicate a drop   in blood sugar levels  rather than being caused by the weather. The University of Michigan Health states that hypoglycemia can cause sweating, which is typically more common in people with diabetes. However, it can happen to anyone, because adrenaline production increases when blood sugar levels drop. Hypoglycemia often causes night sweats in people with diabetes.

to feel irritable

irritated woman
Source: Pixabay

We all know it: waiting for a late dinner companion and becoming increasingly irritable as hunger strikes. According to gastroenterologists, there is a scientific explanation for that feeling of ‘hunger’. When blood sugar levels drop, the production of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline increases. This can often lead to   irritability   . However, it is important to know that hunger does not always mean low blood sugar: it is also possible to feel a bit irritable with stable blood sugar levels.

I am hungry.

A young woman looks in the refrigerator at night; she is hungry.
Bron: Shutterstock

Blood sugar is the primary energy source for cells, particularly the brain. When blood sugar levels are low, cells cannot function properly because they do not receive energy. This causes you to feel hungry. It is important to consume foods such as non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats to keep blood sugar levels stable. According to   Medical News Today   , while starchy carbohydrates and sugary drinks can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar, this effect is short-lived and does not contribute to its stabilization.