According to the Brazilian Society of Diabetes (SBD), the lowest acceptable blood sugar level is 70 mg/dL. Levels lower than this reference can cause the symptoms of hypoglycemia, ranging from dizziness to fainting. So keep reading to understand this condition and how to deal with it.
Read more: Here's how to replace refined sugar with these healthier options
see more
Gene therapy eye drops bring hope to millions of people…
Better Health in Two Days: The Surprising Effectiveness of End Workouts…
Sugar (glucose) performs some functions in our body and the main one is to provide energy for our organs to function properly. Therefore, it is necessary that there is always an amount of glucose in our circulation. When glucose levels are below 70 mg/dL, hypoglycemia occurs, and when this value is below 54 mg/dL, severe hypoglycemia occurs.
The main symptoms of this condition are: weakness, dizziness, irritability, hunger, headache, fatigue, tremors and, in more serious cases, mental confusion, fainting and seizures. In these last cases, it is necessary to go immediately to a health unit, especially if you have diabetes.
Hypoglycemia can occur as a result of long periods of fasting, after a high intake of alcohol or after the practice of intense physical exercises. Furthermore, in the case of diabetic people, hypoglycemia can occur due to a very high dose of medication or insulin.
To restore blood sugar levels, you must consume 15g of simple carbohydrates, that is, a tablespoon of sugar (can be diluted with water), 3 sachets of 5g of honey (however, honey is not allowed for children under one year old), 150ml of orange juice or regular soda (not sugar free) or four candies chewy.
After that, wait 15 minutes and, if possible, check your blood glucose to see if it has returned to a level above 70 mg/dL. In addition, it is very important that you have a meal or at least a snack soon after this period to avoid a new hypoglycemia.
Finally, you already know what hypoglycemia is, what are the causes of this problem and the solution. Therefore, avoid going more than four hours without eating, consume alcohol in moderation and, if you If you have diabetes, follow up with your doctor to find out the ideal dosage of medication and/or insulin.