Causes & Signs of Hypoglycemia

Causes of Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia usually occurs in people with diabetes who take certain medications to keep their blood glucose levels in control. Usually hypoglycemia is mild and can easily be treated by eating or drinking something with carbohydrate. But left untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to loss of consciousness. Although hypoglycemia can happen suddenly, it can usually be treated quickly, bringing your blood glucose level back to normal.

In diabetes patients taking certain glucose-lowering medications, hypoglycemia can occur for a number of reasons, including:

• Meals or snacks that are too small, delayed, or missed
• Excessive doses of insulin or some diabetes medications, including sulfonylureas and meglitinides
• Increased activity or exercise
• Excessive drinking of alcohol

Signs of Hypoglycemia
The nature of hypoglycemia often prevents the people from noticing its onset. Many times a family member or friend is the first to recognize the early signs of hypoglycemia. Make sure that you, your close friends, and family members are aware of the following signs of hypoglycemia:

• Hunger
• Nervousness and shakiness
• Perspiration
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Sleepiness
• Confusion
• Difficulty speaking
• Anxiety or weakness
• Irritability

Hypoglycemia may also occur while you are asleep. You may:

• Cry out or have nightmares
• Find that your pajamas or sheets are damp from perspiration
• Feel tired, irritable, or confused when you wake up