Thursday, March 28, 2024

Does Low Blood Sugar Cause Dizziness

Popular Articles

The Dangers Of Low Blood Glucose

Do I Have Hypoglycemia or Hyperglycemia?

At some time, most people with diabetes experience the sweating and shakiness that occurs when blood glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dl a condition known as hypoglycemia. The average person with type 1 diabetes may experience symptoms of low blood glucose up to two times a week. However, not all are aware that these symptoms can rapidly progress to seizures, coma and even death if hypoglycemia is severe. Though hypoglycemia can be common and occur repeatedly in some people with diabetes, symptoms of low blood glucose should always be taken seriously. People with diabetes and their families, friends or coworkers should be prepared to act quickly and responsibly at the earliest signs of low blood glucose.

How Long Will The Effects Last

The effects of low blood sugar will continue and may even get worse until treatment brings your blood sugar level back to normal. It may take several minutes for the symptoms to go away after you start treatment. This may be a temporary problem while you and your healthcare provider are adjusting your medicine. If you are always prone to having low blood sugar, you may need to take special care for the rest of your life to keep your blood sugar at the proper level.

Signs And Symptoms Of Low Blood Sugar

Each person’s reaction to low blood sugar is different. Learn your own signs and symptoms of when your blood sugar is low. Taking time to write these symptoms down may help you learn your own symptoms of when your blood sugar is low. From milder, more common indicators to most severe, signs and symptoms of low blood sugar include:

  • Feeling shaky
  • Color draining from the skin
  • Feeling sleepy
  • Feeling weak or having no energy
  • Blurred/impaired vision
  • Tingling or numbness in the lips, tongue or cheeks
  • Headaches
  • Nightmares or crying out during sleep
  • Seizures

The only sure way to know whether you are experiencing low blood sugar is to check your blood sugar, if possible. If you are experiencing symptoms and you are unable to check your blood sugar for any reason, treat the hypoglycemia.

A low blood sugar level triggers the release of epinephrine , the fight-or-flight hormone. Epinephrine is what can cause the symptoms of hypoglycemia such as thumping heart, sweating, tingling and anxiety.

If the blood sugar level continues to drop, the brain does not get enough glucose and stops functioning as it should. This can lead to blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, confused thinking, slurred speech, numbness, and drowsiness. If blood sugar stays low for too long, starving the brain of glucose, it may lead to seizures, coma and very rarely death.

Also Check: Can Diabetics Eat Banana

Ut University Health Services

  • dizzy
  • confused

For some people, a blood sugar below 90 mg/dL can make them feel like this. For others, it takes a lower blood sugar to cause these symptoms.

You must watch your blood sugar level closely. Regular testing of your blood sugar may allow you to detect and treat hypoglycemia before it causes serious symptoms. You may be able to prevent ever having low blood sugar.

Some high blood pressure medicines called beta blockers hide the symptoms of hypoglycemia. If you are taking medicine for high blood pressure, ask your healthcare provider if the medicines you are taking could have this effect.

You should know the difference between the symptoms of low blood sugar and high blood sugar . High blood sugar doesn’t always cause symptoms, but when it does the symptoms may include blurry vision, extreme thirst, and a lot of urination.

Vasovagal Syncope As A Cause Of Dizziness

does low blood sugar cause dizziness ~ Best Diabetes ...

Vasovagal syncope is a common cause of dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. The vagus nerve is overstimulated and causes the body’s blood vessels to dilate and the heart to slow down. This anti-adrenaline effect decreases the ability of the heart to pump blood upward toward the brain. Without blood flow, the brain turns off. In Victorian England, young ladies’ sensibilities were easily offended causing a vasovagal episode called a swoon.

Some people faint at the sight of blood. Some parents faint when their child gets immunized. Some medical students faint at their first autopsy. Many types of emotional and physical stressors can overstimulate the vagus nerve, causing dizziness, lightheadedness, and at times fainting .

Fainting is not normal. If a person is unconscious, activate the emergency medical system , and seek medical care.

Read Also: How To Bring Down Sugar Level Quickly

When To Use Baqsimi

If your blood sugar drops from low to very low , you could have very low blood sugar, and that’s when BAQSIMI can help. BAQSIMI should be used if you’re having a very low blood sugar emergency, where you’re unable to eat or drink and need help from someone else. Some signs of a very low blood sugar emergency are feeling dizzy, shaking, sweating, having difficulty thinking or speaking, losing coordination, or even passing out. Your family and friends can help with BAQSIMI if you are conscious or passed out.

BAQSIMI is used to treat very low blood sugar in people with diabetes ages 4 years and above. Do not use BAQSIMI if you have a tumor in the gland on top of your kidneys called pheochromocytoma, you have a tumor in your pancreas called insulinoma, or you are allergic to glucagon, or any other ingredient in BAQSIMI.

Some days, it feels like time is flying by, that life is moving at a million miles per hour.

If you have diabetes and are on insulin, you need to be prepared for a low blood sugar emergency.

Let’s pause and take a moment to learn when to use BAQSIMI.

BAQSIMI should be used in a low blood sugar emergency, when you can’t safely eat or drink oral carbs and need help from someone else to recover.

Now, let’s flip back and talk about low blood sugar. There are three levels of low blood sugar: Mild, Moderate, and Severe. Severe low blood sugar is an emergency. And that’s when BAQSIMI comes in.

Now, the knowledge to be prepared is in your hands.

Symptoms Of Dizziness And Vertigo

Descriptions of dizziness may include:

  • a sensation of movement , either of yourself or the external environment
  • unsteadiness, including finding it difficult to walk in a straight line
  • light-headedness

Other symptoms that may accompany dizziness include:

  • headache
  • staggering gait and loss of coordination
  • unusual eye movements, such as flitting of the eyes
  • finding it difficult to see clearly when moving, for example, when reading a sign while walking or driving.

Recommended Reading: Reduce Sugar Level Immediately

Possible Causes With Diabetes

Diabetes affects your bodys ability to use insulin. Think of insulin as the key that unlocks your cells, letting in glucose for energy.

If you have diabetes, a variety of treatments can help the cells in your body use the glucose in your blood. Among these are insulin injections and oral medications that increase insulin production.

If you take too much of these types of medications, your blood sugar may drop too low. You may also sometimes experience low blood sugar if you plan to eat a big meal but then do not eat enough.

Skipping meals, eating less than usual, or eating later than usual but taking your medication at your usual time can also lead to low blood sugar levels.

Unplanned excess physical activity without eating enough can also cause a drop in blood sugar levels.

Drinking alcohol when youre on these medications can also lead to low blood sugar, especially if it replaces food. When your body is trying to get rid of alcohol, it becomes worse at managing blood sugar levels.

Causes Of Dizziness And Vertigo

What Causes Hypoglycemia? – Dr. Berg

A wide range of conditions and diseases can cause dizziness, including:

  • inner ear problems disorders of the inner ear account for about half of all cases of persistent dizziness. Such disorders include Menieres disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and vestibular neuritis
  • anxiety disorders stress or anxiety may play a role in causing dizziness or, more commonly, may be a contributing factor in dizziness from other causes, such as inner ear disease
  • brain disorders a common cause of dizziness is migraine, even without the headache that most people associate with a migraine. Very rarely, other causes of dizziness can include stroke or other brain diseases
  • other conditions some cases of dizziness are due to underlying medical conditions such as low blood pressure, infection, some heart problems and hypoglycaemia . Medications that are used to treat conditions such as epilepsy, coronary heart disease and high blood pressure can also cause dizziness in some people
  • unknown causes although a cause may not be found in some people, it does not necessarily mean that these people cannot be helped by the appropriate treatment.

Recommended Reading: Sugar Increase Symptoms

Severe Symptoms Of Low Blood Sugar

If you get seizures and remain unconscious, then it may indicate the severe condition of Hypoglycemia. Some people also witness symptoms like crying out, having nightmares, excessive sweating, feeling tired and confused after waking up. These symptoms generally appear during the night-time when the person is sleeping.

The Effects Of Low Blood Sugar On Your Body

Every cell in your body needs energy to function. The main source of energy might come as a surprise: Its sugar, also known as glucose. Blood sugar is essential to proper brain, heart, and digestive function. It even helps keep your skin and vision healthy.

When your blood sugar levels fall below the normal range, its called hypoglycemia. There are many identifiable symptoms of low blood sugar, but the only way to know if you have low blood sugar is by taking a blood glucose test.

Learn more about the symptoms of low blood sugar, as well as the long-term effects on the body.

most common reasons for low blood sugar are some medications used to treat diabetes, such as insulin.

In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas can no longer produce insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas doesnt make enough insulin, or your body cant use it properly. Too much insulin or oral diabetic medication can lower the blood sugar level, leading to hypoglycemia.

However, contrary to popular belief, low blood sugar isnt exclusive to diabetes, though it is rare. It can also happen if your body makes more insulin than it should.

Another possible cause of low blood sugar is drinking too much alcohol, especially over long periods of time. This can interfere with the livers ability to create a buildup of glucose and then release it into your bloodstream when you need it.

Other causes include:

Don’t Miss: How To Come Sugar Disease

When Should I Call The Doctor For Dizziness

Dizziness is a common complaint and often has resolved by the time the patient arrives to see a health care professional. Usually there is no rush to seek care. However, while the complaint of dizziness is not often an emergency, seek care immediately if it is accompanied by any of the following:

  • Chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations. These symptoms should not be ignored, as they suggest the heart may be the source of the dizziness.
  • Dehydration. Often there may be an associated illness including fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.
  • People with diabetes may have dizziness due to low blood sugar or high blood sugar , and may need emergent care to stabilize their insulin and medication requirements.
  • Bleeding from any source.
  • Altered mental status or thinking. This may include symptoms such as confusion, change in vision, change in speech, facial droop, weakness of one side of the body, or headache. These may be signs of stroke, bleeding in the brain, or tumor.
  • FAST warning signs of a stroke:
  • Face — facial droop
  • Arm — arm or leg weakness
  • Speech — difficulty speaking or understanding speech
  • Time — time is of the essence. Call 911.
  • Vertigo may cause significant problems with vomiting and may be debilitating. Often, medical care is needed to control symptoms even though the underlying problem is not necessarily serious.
  • Stages Of Low Blood Sugar

    Too many lows.

    You will notice certain signs when your blood sugar begins to drop. These signs arise in stages, ranging from mild to moderate to severe. Each stage is characterized by a specific set of symptoms.

    Nausea is one of the signs that occur in the mild stage, but it can also be present in later stages. Many organizations like the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases combine the mild and moderate stages into one.

    Other signs of mild to moderate low blood sugar include:

    • Blurred vision

    Signs of severe low blood sugar include:

    • Unable to eat or drink
    • Seizures or convulsions

    Symptoms of hypoglycemia during sleep include:

    • Crying out or having nightmares
    • Sweating enough to make your pajamas or sheets damp
    • Feeling tired, irritable, or confused after waking up

    You May Like: How To Control Pp Sugar

    Intro: Why Is Fiber Important For Blood Sugar Level Control

    keywords: fiber, blood sugar, lower blood glucose levels

    Fiber is an important nutrient for the body. Fiber assists in weight loss, lower blood glucose, as well as keep healthy and balanced defecation.

    Fiber is very important in maintaining a typical blood sugar degrees because it regulates insulin secretion in the body.

    Fiber helps reduced blood sugar level degrees by reducing the price at which food is soaked up right into your bloodstream, giving your pancreatic time to release insulin. It also aids you feel fuller much longer. Your digestive tract bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids that are made use of by cells to create power and get rid of too much cholesterol out of the body via bile acids, which are developed by fiber-rich foods.

    Another reason fiber is essential for blood glucose control is that it controls hormones that contribute in appetite, cravings, and also satiety. By controling these hormonal agents

    Kinds of Fiber and Their Health And Wellness Benefitskey phrases: kinds of fiber, soluble vs. insoluble

    Soluble fiber is a kind of nutritional fiber that dissolves in water and also becomes gel-like. Its understood for its capability to lower blood cholesterol as well as sugar degrees. Soluble fibers also assist preserve bowel regularity and also control blood glucose degrees.

    Natural Treatment Of Low Blood Sugar And Dizziness

    • Regularly monitor and check the blood sugar levels.
    • Give a cup of fruit juice, tea or coffee with sugar and water with glucose powder or sugar.
    • Patient should be educated and counseled about diabetic hypoglycemia.
    • Avoid self decision to take an excessive dose on finding elevated glucose level.
    • Do not delay or miss meals.
    • Food should be split through the day to avoid mid- day dizziness.
    • Avoid alcohol
    • Regular check up of blood sugar level of diabetics.
    • Eat adequately after exercise.

    Recommended Reading: Sugar In Low Blood Pressure

    Low Blood Sugar Levels

    Another reason that low-carb diets may cause dizziness is because of changes in your blood sugar levels. LaMantia explains, “When you start on a low-carb diet, the level of sugar in your blood will reduce It’s possible your body could respond to this with low blood sugar.”

    According to the American Diabetes Association, one of the signs of a low blood-sugar level is dizziness, along with shakiness, nervousness, sweating, confusion, increased heart rate and hunger. Low blood-sugar levels can be dangerous, especially in people with diabetes. If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you should speak to your doctor before starting a low-carb or keto diet, especially if you’re taking any blood-sugar lowering medications, such as metformin or insulin.

    Possible Causes Without Diabetes

    High and Low Blood Sugar Symptoms

    Even if you dont have diabetes, you may experience low blood sugar. However, hypoglycemia is much less common in people without diabetes.

    Some possible causes of low blood sugar in people who dont have diabetes are:

    • certain medications, such as quinine
    • some medical conditions, such as hepatitis and kidney disorders
    • a tumor that produces excess insulin
    • endocrine disorders, such as adrenal gland deficiency

    Recommended Reading: How To Reduce Diabetes Instantly

    Does Everyone Have Symptoms From Hypoglycemia

    Some people dont have symptoms or dont notice them. Healthcare providers call that situation hypoglycemia unawareness. People with such a challenge arent aware when they need to do something about their blood sugar. Theyre then more likely to have severe episodes and need medical help. People with hypoglycemia unawareness should check their blood sugar more often.

    Reduced Blood Sugar Degrees Through Exercise

    Lower blood sugar degrees by working out can be done by increasing exercise throughout the day. Reduced blood sugar degrees is a vital part of treating type two diabetes since it strikes the issue at its resource a high quantity of glucose in the blood. Decreasing blood glucose degrees permits diabetics to much better control how much or how little insulin their body generates.

    You May Like: Whether Banana Is Good For Diabetes

    No Symptoms Be Alarmed

    Surprisingly, the most dangerous episodes of hypoglycemia occur with little or no warning. When low blood glucose occurs on a regular basis, the body can become used to the warning signs and the person may stop noticing symptoms. This is a particularly dangerous condition known as hypoglycemic unawareness. People with this condition might not realize they have low blood glucose until it’s dangerously low seizures and coma are sometimes the first indication of a problem. The good news is that this condition can often be reversed allowing people to once again notice the signs of low blood glucose if hypoglycemia is avoided for a few weeks through careful monitoring of blood glucose.

    How Do I Treat An Episode Of Hypoglycemia

    Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia): Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

    The American Diabetes Association recommends the 15-15 rule for an episode of hypoglycemia:

    • Eat or drink 15 grams of carbs to raise your blood sugar.
    • After 15 minutes, check your blood sugar.
    • If its still below 70 mg/dL, have another 15 grams of carbs.
    • Repeat until your blood sugar is at least 70 mg/dL.

    If you have symptoms of hypoglycemia but cant test your blood sugar, use the 15-15 rule until you feel better.

    Note: Children need fewer grams of carbs. Check with your healthcare provider.

    Recommended Reading: How To Reduce High Sugar Level Immediately

    Related news