
CANTIKA.COM, Jakarta - Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia is often associated with diabetes patients. However, did you know that this condition can happen to anyone? Even some signs of low blood sugar are very vague and often considered trivial. Yet, if left untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to serious complications, even loss of consciousness.
Now, if you often feel suddenly dizzy, easily angry for no reason, or suddenly very hungry, your body may be signaling that your blood sugar levels are dropping drastically. Let's recognize the signs of low blood sugar below!
1. Feeling Dizzy, Dazed, and Hard to Focus
If you suddenly feel dizzy, light-headed, or have difficulty concentrating even though you haven't done much activity, don't immediately dismiss it as lack of sleep. This could be a sign that your blood sugar level is dropping.
Blood sugar is the main fuel for the brain. When it drops, the brain's ability to think clearly also decreases. As a result, you may feel 'blank', have difficulty understanding information, or even become forgetful in a short time.
2. Sudden Tremors, Anxiety, or Unexplained Anger
Ever felt your emotions suddenly explode for no reason? Or suddenly feel anxious, even though you're not facing a tense situation? Be careful, it could be the effect of adrenaline hormone released by the body when blood sugar levels drop.
Adrenaline is released as a 'fight or flight' response, causing symptoms such as shaking hands, rapid heartbeat, and feelings of panic or irritation. If this occurs repeatedly, don't ignore it!
3. Rapid Heartbeat
Palpitations or a rapid heartbeat doesn't only happen when you're in love. If you feel it without emotional or physical triggers, it could be a sign of hypoglycemia.
Again, stress hormones play a role here. When blood sugar drops drastically, the body sees it as an emergency condition, then pumps adrenaline to raise the sugar level again. The result? The heartbeat becomes faster and blood pressure increases.
4. Sudden Nausea Without Clear Reason
Feeling nauseous even though you haven't eaten anything? Or feeling like vomiting after a light meal? Your body might be reacting to a decrease in glucose levels. This symptom often appears without other classic signs, making it easily overlooked.
Nausea can also occur in diabetes patients using insulin or blood sugar-lowering drugs, as well as in people with stomach disorders such as gastroparesis.
5. Suddenly Very Hungry, Especially for Sweets
Low blood sugar triggers the hormone ghrelin, also known as the hunger hormone, to work more actively. As a result, you may suddenly feel very hungry, and usually crave sweet or fast-carb foods.
If you often experience a sweet 'craving' after several hours without eating, try to notice if this is a recurring pattern. Your body might be sending an alarm that your blood sugar is dropping drastically.
What to Do When Blood Sugar Drops?
If you suspect your blood sugar is low, follow the 15-15 rule:
Consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates such as fruit juice, honey, or glucose tablets.
Wait for 15 minutes, then re-check your condition or blood sugar level if possible.
Repeat if not improved, and eat a complete meal once it feels stable.
If you or someone around you faints due to low blood sugar, immediately take them to the hospital or use a glucagon injection if available.
Preventing Low Blood Sugar
Do not skip meals, especially breakfast.
Choose foods that contain complex carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
Avoid excessive consumption of simple sugars that can trigger a drastic increase and decrease in blood sugar.
If you have diabetes, regularly check your blood sugar and consult a doctor for adjusting medication doses.
Low blood sugar can happen to anyone and often comes without warning. From feeling dizzy, tremors, to sudden hunger, all could be signs that your body needs additional 'fuel'.
Recognize the symptoms, fulfill your daily nutritional needs, and don't underestimate the signals from your body. It's better to prevent than to cure, right?
EATINGWELL | VERYWELL HEALTH
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