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What Can Happen to a Diabetic With Low Blood Sugar?

Diabetes is a disease that affects how your body converts glucose. The hormone insulin manages how glucose is processed into your cells. Glucose provides your cells with energy in order to give the body fuel to function. When you have diabetes, your body is unable to properly produce or use insulin. As a result, when blood sugar levels go untreated, this can result in serious complications within your body. If your blood sugar levels drop too low, this can result in a condition known as hypoglycemia.

  1. Hypoglycemia

    • When you develop hypoglycemia, this means that your blood sugar levels have dropped abnormally low. When you eat, your body absorbs glucose through your bloodstream. The body can take in extra glucose and store the glucose in the liver and muscles. The extra stored glucose is called glycogen. This extra glucose is used between meals as a source of energy. In a normal person, if your glucose drops, glucagen (hormones produced by the pancreas) will tell the liver to process glycogen and release glucose into your bloodstream, thereby keeping glucose stable. However, when you have diabetes and are on insulin or medication, your glucose levels are unable to stabilize.

    Effects on Brain

    • If your glucose levels drop too low, your brain can develop effects. According to the Mayo Clinic, you may become confused, exhibit bizarre behavior or have both effects (such as not being able to do easy tasks like tying your shoes). You may also have blurred vision or double vision. Other effects, though rare, include seizures and loss of consciousness.

    Warning Signs

    • If you develop hypoglycemia, you will experience heart palpitations, tremors, anxiety, sweating, feeling weak, feeling dizzy, and feeling irritable and moody. Other symptoms can include headaches, feeling hungry and having difficulty in speaking. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, you may even develop hypoglycemia in your sleep. When this occurs, your pajamas or bed sheets will be damp from perspiration. You may have nightmares, or you will feel tired and confused when you awake.

    Testing

    • If you have diabetes and experience hypoglycemia, test your blood sugar levels. According to Bayer Diabetes Care, once you have verified that you are experiencing hypoglycemia, take a source of sugar. Glucose tablets can be bought at your local pharmacy or supermarket. You can also take 1/2 cup of orange juice, or suck on a few pieces of hard candy. If you are not feeling better within 15 minutes, have more sugar, and seek immediate medical attention.

    Complications

    • It is very important to treat hypoglycemia in order to prevent serious complications. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you ignore that your blood sugar levels are low, this can lead to unconsciousness. Not treating your condition can also lead to diabetic coma, and possibly death. Hypoglycemia can also result in neuropathy (nerve damage), blood vessel damage and damage to your organs, such as your kidneys.

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