Learning some important facts about low blood sugar symptoms can prevent you from a host of worries and health issues. Knowing how to recognize symptoms and causes of both high and low blood sugar is important for a variety of reasons, ranging from your energy, digestion, heart condition, health status, learning abilities and even your mood. I've decided to share some enlightening facts about low blood sugar that you may not know, but many people suffer from and don't know why. I want you to be in the loop about how to take care of your blood sugar levels, so you can keep your mood stable, energy up, digestion strong and stay healthy for a long, happy life!
One of the most necessary facts about low blood sugar is how it affects anxiousness. Many people who have panic disorders or anxiety could have a blood sugar issue. If you don’t eat healthy meals and snacks every couple of hours, you may find yourself edgy, even if you just ate. If you ate something high in sugar or fat, it can negatively impact your blood sugar, making it rise and fall quickly. This leaves you anxious and restless, leading to a feeling of panic and an ill mood. Or, if you haven’t eaten in hours, the same thing may happen. Too much caffeine also causes this same reaction. Insulin rises and spikes, then plummets, which causes the low blood sugar to occur. To prevent this, make protein and veggies, along with leafy greens and minimal healthy fats, the stars of your meals. This keeps your brain and body happier, and prevents anxiety.
If you find yourself extremely clammy, chilled or sweaty, it is also probably a sign of low blood sugar. This can happen for all the reasons stated above, and you need to monitor your meals carefully so they contain enough protein, fiber and minimal healthy fats to keep your insulin stable for long periods of time. However, if you go over 4 hours without eating, or less for some people, the same thing may happen.
Many people who find themselves hyper, and so anxious they become hyper, are actually suffering from high blood sugar. It causes a rapid surge in energy that will quickly fall and cause fatigue. If hyperactivity tends to be an issue for you, reduce the amounts of sugars you are eating to see if it helps. Hyperactivity is not the same as energy, but instead, has a more anxious feeling to it than steady energy.
Have you ever heard the saying, “I’m sorry for what I said when I was hungry?” Low blood sugar can make you very irritable. I’ve found myself quite irritable if I haven’t eaten, and the smallest thing upsets me or "sets me off." Going too long without breakfast always triggers this reaction in me, or going too long without a snack in the afternoon. Be sure you take care of your mood by taking care of your blood sugar.
One symptom many diabetics have is blurry vision due to low blood sugar, but it can happen to any of us, diabetic or not. If you find yourself having blurry or fuzzy vision, try to see if you can eat something that might stabilize your blood sugar to see if symptoms improve. Whatever you do, do not drive if you suffer low blood sugar on a regular basis and have gone over 3 to 4 hours without eating. Blurry vision is not something you want to happen on the road!
I suffered from passing out early in the mornings during college. I had no idea why, until I linked the condition to low blood sugar caused by my restrictive diet. I have also passed out in the shower for the same reason before. You really need to eat enough at each meal, without stuffing yourself of course, and get enough protein, healthy fats and fiber to stabilize your blood sugar. If you’ve ever passed out, or suffer on a regular basis, this might be why. It can also be caused by too much physical activity and not enough fuel to keep your blood sugar stable. Eat a light snack before and after working out, preferably something that is low in refined sugars and fat.
Lastly, one thing to know about your blood sugar is that not taking care of it can be life threatening. Your blood sugar is necessary for providing you with energy, but also for preventing heart disease related illnesses. If you’re concerned low blood sugar may be something you suffer from, and nothing seems to work, do see a doctor to get tested for diabetes, or find out what is going on.
Low blood sugar truly can be treated, and many people suffer, so don’t feel alone or hopeless. It doesn’t mean you have diabetes just because you suffer low blood sugar either. Both my mother and I both have low blood sugar tendencies, but not diabetes. Do you know anyone with low blood sugar?
Sources: uwhealth.org