Why Are My Glucose Levels Always Falling Below Normal?

Blood glucose is a measurement of the amount of sugar---the body's primary energy source---available in the bloodstream. Low glucose levels are the key sign of a condition called hypoglycemia.

Significance

• According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, individuals with hypoglycemia typically experience mild effects that may include sweating, hunger, shakiness and anxiety. However, unaddressed hypoglycemia can lead to confusion, fainting, seizures, coma and death.

Diabetes Medications

• Hypoglycemia frequently occurs as a side effect of diabetes medications, according to the Mayo Clinic. It develops when these medications forces too much glucose out of the bloodstream.

Additional Causes

• The Mayo Clinic cites additional potential causes of low blood glucose that include heavy drinking, use of the medication quinine, kidney disorders, severe hepatitis, long-term starvation (as found in anorexia), disorders of the pituitary or adrenal glands and the presence of pancreatic tumors.

Gastric Bypass Patients

• Individuals who have undergone gastric-bypass surgery may experience hypoglycemia after meals when their bodies produce more insulin than they need for their reduced food intake.

Recommendations and Treatments

• The American Diabetes Association recommends that diabetes patients check their blood glucose whenever signs of hypoglycemia start to appear. Individuals with mild hypoglycemia can relieve their symptoms by eating sugar (candy, fruit juice, glucose tablets). Severe cases may require intravenous glucose.