Weakness, hunger pangs, and irritability are symptoms of low blood sugar. Certain eating habits can easily prevent them.
Glucose is the main source of energy used by the cells of our body.
Brain cells depend almost exclusively on the supply of glucose, so they suffer from its deficiency in a special way. For this reason, it is necessary to maintain a stable blood glucose to conserve the energy supply to the central nervous system.
When it is scarce and the cells of the nervous tissue cannot be supplied normally, the organism activates a series of mechanisms to protect itself from the risk situation and to warn the person to act quickly.
In these circumstances it occurs elevation of a number of hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol, glucagon, and growth of, meant to mobilize glucose reserves that exist primarily in the liver.
WHAT IS A LOW BLOOD SUGAR AND WHAT SYMPTOMS DOES IT PRODUCE?
The hypoglycemia (hypo: low; glucose: Blood glucose) involves lowering the glucose blood below a minimum number considered, which is of 60 mg / LD.
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The symptoms of hypoglycemia occur quickly and vary from one person to another.
- The most common are:
- feeling hungry
- humor changes
- weakness
- sweating
- palpitations
- If the situation is not corrected, the following may appear:
- blurry vision
- difficulty speaking
- mental confusion
- Loss of consciousness.
IS A LOW A SIGN OF HYPOGLYCEMIA?
We can be fatigued for many different reasons, so this relationship cannot be unequivocally established.
Although weakness is one of its symptoms, these can manifest differently from person to person and can even vary in the same person and change over time.
HOW TO AVOID LOW BLOOD SUGAR?
Although those responsible for maintaining glucose levels in normal values are processes that are carried out “automatically”, it is in our hands to create the conditions to facilitate this work, starting with food, which is its essential supplier.
Which happens by dividing the meals throughout the day into about five servings to avoid overloading when eating and many hours passing without eating. And slow absorption carbohydrates (legumes, pasta) should be promoted compared to fast absorption carbohydrates (pastries, sugar).
Without forgetting to get a rest, practice aerobic exercise and lead a life where serenity and a sense of control prevail over stress.
ARE ALL HYPOGLYCEMIA THE SAME?
There are several types that are classified according to their severity. The hypoglycemic episodes are usually associated with people who have diabetes, but it is not always so.
When it is mild or moderate, the person notices the symptoms and is able to treat himself, but if it is severe he will need outside help. And there is hypoglycemic coma, a very serious situation, in which the person is unconscious.
DOES EXERCISE CAUSE HYPOGLYCEMIA?
Exercise lowers glucose levels but does not usually cause hypoglycemia in healthy people.
If symptoms appear during exercise, it is advisable to take slow-absorbing carbohydrates before starting the activity.
During exercise you can take simple carbohydrates, such as glucose or sugar.
WHAT SHOULD A DIABETIC EAT?
It is enough to follow the nutritional advice of anyone without diabetes, but adapted to their personal characteristics and weight: a contribution of carbohydrates of around 50% and less fat consumption, with a reduction in animal fat and an increase in non saturated (olive oil).
According to the Spanish Heart Foundation, one of the fundamental aspects of the diabetic diet is the balanced distribution of foods rich in carbohydrates throughout the day. This avoids fluctuations in blood glucose and improves its control.
IS A HIGH GLYCEMIC LOAD A RISK?
The higher the glycemic load of a food, the more blood glucose levels will rise and the greater its insulin genic effect.
Long-term consumption of a highly loaded diet begins to be associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and coronary ischemic disease.
IS DRINKING ALCOHOL COUNTERPRODUCTIVE IF YOU HAVE LOW SUGAR?
Alcohol is a powerful hypoglycemic agent. It inhibits the production of glucose by the liver, which is the main source of glucose between meals.
It also cancels the initial symptoms of hypoglycemia (trembling, sweating).
For this reason, it should be consumed in a moderate way and always as an accompaniment to food.
