7 Reasons You Could Have Low Blood Sugar Even if You Don't Have Diabetes

Low blood sugar, identified medically as hypoglycemia, is usually related to taking insulin for diabetes—however different conditions may additionally trigger your blood glucose (sugar) to dip or develop into too low. A number of elements typically mix to set off low blood sugar in individuals who haven’t got diabetes.

Medicines are one of the crucial widespread causes of low blood sugar, particularly for those who take excessive doses. Examples of medicines which will trigger low blood sugar embody:

Beta-blocker drugs for hypertension, resembling Inderal (propranolol) Ache relievers, resembling Advil (ibuprofen)Some antibiotics, resembling Cipro (ciprofloxacin) and Biaxin (clarithromycin)Medicines for psychological well being, resembling Lithobid (lithium)Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, resembling Capoten (captopril)

Alcohol impacts the way in which you metabolize sugar, and consuming an excessive amount of of it might typically result in low blood sugar. Individuals who binge drink have a better threat of hypoglycemia. Alcohol can also be extra more likely to trigger low blood sugar for those who drink it on an empty abdomen.

Making an excessive amount of insulin may cause your blood sugar ranges to drop. Some uncommon situations, resembling some genetic situations and pancreatic cancers, may cause insulin overproduction and low blood sugar. Some individuals who’ve had gastric bypass surgical procedure for weight reduction are additionally in danger.

When your physique’s power shops are low from not getting sufficient energy, it is more durable to extend glucose ranges. Individuals with malnutrition, together with from consuming problems resembling anorexia, are prone to low blood sugar.

Whereas some folks can quick for days with out issues, fasting might set off low blood sugar in folks with different threat elements. Equally, a dramatic improve in train may additionally set off low blood sugar.

Sure sorts of hormone deficiencies can result in low blood sugar. For instance, pituitary gland problems would possibly trigger impaired launch of hormones it is advisable regulate your blood sugar.

Equally, with Addison’s illness, your adrenal glands cannot launch sufficient cortisol. This could additionally contribute to hypoglycemia. Having hypothyroidism may additionally improve one’s general threat.

Low blood sugar is usually a complication of sure persistent ailments, particularly if they’re extreme. These embody:

Liver diseaseKidney diseaseHeart failureSepsis, a extreme an infection

Reactive hypoglycemia happens when your physique releases an excessive amount of insulin after a meal. This causes your blood sugar to drop an excessive amount of about two to 5 hours later. It is extra probably for those who had meals excessive in carbohydrates.

Reactive hypoglycemia happens extra typically in folks with diabetes or prediabetes, however it might additionally occur in some folks with out these situations.

In case you expertise hypoglycemia, chances are you’ll discover signs of low blood sugar like:

SweatingHungerBlurred visionTremorsRapid heartbeatDizziness

A small dip in blood sugar might trigger extra minor signs. For instance, you would possibly really feel somewhat shaky or irritable. You may not have true hypoglycemia, however your barely low blood sugar may be uncomfortable.

If very extreme, low blood sugar may even trigger seizures or coma.

To deal with low blood sugar, eat or drink one thing that’s excessive in fast-acting carbohydrates, like a glass of juice. Observe that with a longer-acting carbohydrate with protein, resembling crackers and cheese.

If somebody is experiencing extreme signs of low blood sugar, like a lack of consciousness, name 911. Medical professionals may give the hormone glucagon, which shortly will increase blood sugar ranges. Some folks at excessive threat would possibly carry a glucagon emergency equipment. 

Low blood sugar cannot all the time be prevented. However in case you are susceptible to it, you may decrease your dangers. Strive these approaches

Eat frequently and keep away from skipping meals.
Contemplate the glycemic index of the meals you eat. Meals that shortly convert to glucose (excessive glycemic index meals) improve your blood sugar the quickest, however additionally they contribute to a later hypoglycemic crash.
Do not overdo strenuous actions in case your physique is not used to them.
Have a small snack earlier than or after train. 
Do not drink alcohol on an empty abdomen, and do not drink to extra. Keep away from strenuous bodily actions after consuming, too. 
Work with a health care provider to handle any medical situations and drugs to assist keep away from low blood sugar. Take your drugs precisely as prescribed. 

For issues about delicate signs of low blood sugar, make an appointment with a health care provider. A main care supplier will help you identify the trigger or refer you to a specialist as wanted. For severe indicators, like seizures or lack of consciousness, get fast medical consideration.