HOW DOES LOW BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS IMPACT YOUR BODY?

Low blood sugar, also known as Hypoglycemia is a condition wherein your glucose levels in the blood fall below the normal range. This can lead to several health issues, ranging from mild to severe. It is usually seen in people with diabetes who take insulin or other medications that increase insulin production in the body. Low blood sugar can also happen when the body produces too much insulin. However, the condition is also seen in people without diabetes due to various reasons which include excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged exercise, certain medications, or inadequate food intake.

It is important that you manage your blood sugar levels effectively with diet, exercise and medicines. Like hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia also has effects on the body. Here, take a look at how hypoglycemia impacts your body.

Impact on Cognitive Function

Low blood sugar levels can impair cognitive function, leading to confusion, difficulty concentrating and impaired judgment. This happens because the brain relies on glucose as its primary source of energy. In the case of hypoglycemia, the glucose level is low and hence, it doesn’t get the required fuel.

Mood Swings

Hypoglycemia can lead to significant mood changes which include irritability, anxiety and depression. These mood changes happen due to the stress response triggered by low glucose levels, affecting the neurotransmitters in the brain.

Weakness and Fatigue

As glucose levels drop, so does the supply of energy supply to your muscles. Thi results in feelings of weakness and fatigue. This can also affect your ability to perform physical tasks and can also decrease your stamina and endurance.

Trembling

These are common symptoms of low blood sugar which happens due to the release of adrenaline. The body releases this hormone to stimulate glucose production and restore blood sugar to normal levels.

Seizures or Unconsciousness

In severe cases, if blood sugar levels remain very low, it can lead to seizures, unconsciousness or even coma. In extreme cases, when the brain is deprived of glucose, it leads to neurological impairment and other potentially life-threatening complications.

Hunger

One of the immediate effects of low blood sugar is intense hunger. This is the body’s natural response to low glucose levels, signalling the need to replenish your energy.

Heart Palpitations

Low blood sugar can lead to heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat. This is also linked to the release of adrenaline, which prepares your body to respond to low glucose levels.

Blurred Vision

Hypoglycemia can temporarily affect your vision, leading to blurriness or visual disturbances. This happens because the eyes too rely on glucose to function properly and low levels of sugar can affect your visual abilities.

Long-term Cognitive Decline

When you have frequent episodes of low blood sugar levels, especially in people with diabetes, it can lead to long-term cognitive decline and increase your risk of dementia. Consistently low glucose levels can lead to brain damage over time.

Therefore, it is important that you manage your blood sugar levels through diet, medication and workouts. You should also monitor your blood sugar levels to avoid the negative effects.

2024-04-26T07:44:51Z dg43tfdfdgfd