Symptoms of Hypoglycemia - How it Affects Type 2 Diabetics

Diabetics face a number of challenges, one of which is hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. People with Type 2 Diabetes need to regulate their blood sugar levels properly - so treating the condition as soon as you can is important.

Causes

Our bodies use glucose as a source of energy. This glucose enters the bloodstream where the carbohydrates in the foods we eat are digested and broken down into sugars. The glucose in our blood rises, and insulin is secreted by our bodies to bring our blood sugar levels back to normal.

In Type 2 diabetics, their bodies no longer respond effectively to insulin. This can cause blood glucose levels to be too high - so diabetics often take oral medications or insulin to help control this. However, if you take too much insulin then your blood sugar can drop too low (generally 70 mg/dl or less). Eating less or exercising more than you usually do can also cause low blood sugar, since both eating and exercise affect blood glucose.

Educational Video - Hypoglycemia

Symptoms

Unfortunately, the signs of hypoglycemia can be rather non-specific and be caused by other diseases or conditions. Measure your blood sugar if you show any of these symptoms:

Mental confusion or strange behavior;
Blurred vision;
Dizziness or feeling faint;
Forgetfulness;
Heart palpitations;
Mood swings / emotional outbursts;
Headaches;
Sudden or strong sense of hunger.

What To Do

First, measure your blood sugar levels - this can easily be done at home with a glucometer. Eat a little or take a glucose tablet. If the early symptoms of hypoglycemia don't improve, contact your doctor for advice. Adjustments to your medications or insulin may be required, or possibly your diet and exercise routine. Always follow the diabetes treatment plan your doctor creates for you so that you can feel your best.

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