Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) may be a life-threatening condition. Episodes of low blood sugar are frequently associated to people suffering from diabetes (inability to regulate sugar blood levels). It is a rare disorder in non-diabetic adults.

Blood sugar is considered low when its levels are below 70 mg/dL. An immediate treatment is critical. The sugar glucose is the usual food of our body cells. Without this substance our body cannot perform the basic functions.

Symptoms
Not severe hypoglycemia may produce a hungry sensation and sometimes symptoms like confusion, trouble concentrating or walking, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, and sweating. Severe hypoglycemia can produce seizures or even death.

Causes
In diabetic patients treated with insulin (a natural substance that regulates our blood sugar) a higher dose than required can produce a drastic drop of blood glucose. Although much less frequent there are other conditions that can also evoke a low blood sugar: certain medications (quinine), excessive alcohol intake, liver, kidney or pancreas disorders, a tumor producing insulin or other hormonal disorders, and stomach surgery.

Prevention
If you have diabetes treated with insulin, the safest method to avoid a sugar drop is to regularly measure blood sugar. It is also important that you and people around you learn to recognize the early symptoms of low glucose levels. A rapid intake of sugar can be sufficient to reach a normal blood sugar. If you lose consciousness, medical attention will be required (a glucagon injection is the usual treatment in these cases).

BDST: 1710 HRS, Oct-26, 2014