Hypoglycemia is a term which refers to low blood sugar. A non-diabetic experiencing this condition would feel hunger and maybe a little shaky. But a diabetic would also experience confusion, difficulty concentrating, weak feeling, sweating, dizzy and light-headed, excessive tiredness and a possible pale and clammy complexion.
The main culprit that induces hypoglycemic episodes is related to medications. Surprisingly enough, many of the medicines that are specifically prescribed for treating diabetes can cause hypoglycemic episodes. Other causes include skipping meals, or meals that are too small or not nutritionally balanced, and excessive exercising beyond what the body is capable of recovering from. Consuming too much alcohol can also trigger them.
Preventing a hypoglycemic episode is rather easy. As far as the medications are concerned, if they are causing these episodes to occur, simply talk to your physician about switching to another medicine to see if the condition improves. There are many options available and different individuals respond to them in different ways.
Besides switching medicine, the fastest way to overcome an episode is to consume a sufficient amount of carbs, assuming the individual is able to swallow easily. Give them glucose tablets, a fruit drink, candy, white bread, crackers, etc. Anything of this nature to bring levels back up quickly is the key.
So how do you prevent these episodes from occurring in the first place? A lot has to do with your eating patterns. Eating the right amounts of the right foods is essential. A main problem is when diabetics skip meals. Even if you do not feel hungry, you should always eat something to ensure that your sugar level remains constant. Also, resist the urge to over-extend yourself when exercising. Exercise should be started slow and built up as the body becomes conditioned.
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