Glucose is the body’s main engine. Provided by food, it is essential for the proper functioning of cells, especially those of the brain.
What is hypoglycemia?
So, when we lack sugar, it follows a drop in energy and a feeling of discomfort. Its concentration in the blood is constantly regulated by two hormones, glucagon and insulin.
Hypoglycemic discomfort occurs when the blood sugar level drops too much. In a healthy person, this type of crisis is common. While it is necessary to be more wary if it occurs in a diabetic, that it is treated by insulin injections or by drugs.
The main causes
However, the severity of the crisis is mainly due to the intensity of the drop in blood sugar:
- If it is low (0.6 g / l), it causes sweating, palpitations, discomfort.
- Really very low (0.4g / l), it can cause convulsions, mental disorientation … especially in the elderly, who sometimes “forget” to eat without really realizing it.
Because these discomforts do not occur by chance. Most of the time, hypoglycemia is due to an insufficient, unbalanced diet. Or to an irregular lifestyle, with meals taken in any way and at any time.
Other potential culprits: obesity or anorexia. Alcohol abuse can also promote the onset of a seizure. As well as very intense physical activity.
The fact that we feel the crisis coming and that it occurs away from meals, on an empty stomach or at the end of the night is a good argument in favor of hypoglycemia. That’s why the first question to ask in this situation is, “When was the last time you ate?” The classic case being the absence of breakfast or the meal skipped the night before.
How to react in case of hypoglycemia
Sit down and bite into a piece of sugar. The discomfort should pass in a few minutes. If it starts again, the blood sugar is very low and therefore more energy is needed. In this case, it is better to take more sugar by adding a little bread.
If these episodes recur regularly, ask your doctor for advice. Because digestive or hormonal diseases can be responsible.
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