Sugar in the blood It’s your body’s main source of energy and maintaining normal levels is vital to your overall well-being, but anyone with diabetes knows that low blood sugar can be common and when it’s below 70 mg/dL it’s likely to start feeling bad and not like you. While there may be quick fixes to quickly raise your blood sugar, it is always recommended to see your doctor and treat the problem right away. When left unchecked, low blood sugar can lead to serious complications and, in rare cases, even death. Eat this, not that! Health spoke with Bonnie Taub-Dix, RDN, creator of better than dieting and author of Read it before you eat it: from the label to the table that shares what you need to know about low blood sugar and the signs that it’s dropping fast. As always, consult with your doctor for medical advice. Read on and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure signs you’ve already had COVID.
Taub-Dix tells us, “Blood sugar levels can be affected by many things, including your diet, sleep habits, and exercise routine. Blood sugar levels can also depend on whether you have certain health conditions.” such as diabetes or hypoglycemia, but both conditions can be controlled through diet, exercise, and medication Blood sugar levels can go up and down during the course of the day, but the goal is to keep them stable within of a normal range.
Taub-Dix explains: “Sudden drops in blood sugar levels can occur when you go too long without eating, especially after exercising. Some people are also prone to low blood sugar or may be susceptible to high blood sugar.” low blood sugar because of medications they may be taking. For those who have diabetes, taking too much insulin can also cause blood glucose levels to be erratic and dangerously low. In some cases of illness, such as the flu, nausea and vomiting, when food intake is limited, you may feel dizzy, lightheaded, and weak as a result of not being able to eat properly, thus causing low blood sugar.”
According to Taub-Dix, “Plunge in blood sugar can be incredibly dangerous, especially if you drive a motor vehicle, ride a bicycle, operate machinery, or are alone, to name just a few examples. A crash in blood sugar levels in the blood could cause you to fall, hit your head, or seriously injure yourself.
Taub-Dix suggests: “If you notice that you have a tendency for your blood sugar levels to drop and you feel dizzy, weak, lethargic, and have a lack of concentration, you should talk to your health care provider. Maybe you need some advice.” from a dietician and you should also have a series of blood tests to see if you need additional medical attention with medications. By the way, some people are also affected by drinking alcohol (especially on an empty stomach) and consuming too much caffeine” .
Taub-Dix explains: “Low blood sugar levels can cause a rapid heartbeat or palpitations.”
“Whenever you feel shaky or sweaty, you should ask yourself when was the last time you ate and what did you eat,” says Taub-Dix. “Certain foods, like simple carbohydrates, can be easily digested and absorbed, causing blood sugar levels to rise rapidly and then crash. By adding protein and healthy fats to your meal and choosing a whole grain carbohydrate that breaks down more slowly, it’s more likely to keep blood glucose levels under control without feeling like you’re on a roller coaster.”
Taub-Dix states: “When your belly is empty, you won’t have enough fuel for your body to function. You could literally feel like lying in bed instead of sitting at your desk. The key is to eat a balanced meal with the trifecta stellar array of protein, whole grain carbohydrates and healthy fats to help fill you up and provide you with nutrients that work together to keep blood sugar levels stable.”
Taub-Dix tells us: “Sugar feeds your brain. Obviously, too much sugar can also have a negative impact, but when you don’t eat or when you don’t eat the right balance of foods, it could make you feel dizzy and weak.”
Taub-Dix shares: “Interestingly, some of the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar resemble the signs of an anxiety attack. When someone can feel themselves starting to feel faint or dizzy, they fear that their levels blood sugar plummet dangerous levels This can cause a panic attack. The bottom line is that you need to pay attention to your personal symptoms and perhaps keep a diary, including a food diary, so you can spot any patterns that are contributing to the problem. Enlisting the help of a doctor or dietitian can help get you on the right track by just making a few adjustments to your diet and giving you a few tips on exercise and sleep habits. Simple blood tests can also provide a great deal of information to determine the extent of your medical problem.”
heather newgen
Heather Newgen has two decades of experience reporting and writing on health, fitness, entertainment and travel. Heather currently works as a freelancer for various publications. Read more about Heather
