Low blood sugar, also referred to as hypoglycemia, can quite be a dangerous condition. Low blood sugar can happen in people with diabetes who take medicines that help increase insulin levels in the body. Taking too much medication, skipping meals, eating less than normal, or exercising more than usual can lead to low blood sugar for these individuals.
Blood sugar is also known as glucose. Glucose comes from food and it serves as an important energy source from the body. Carbohydrates — foods like rice, potatoes, bread, tortillas, cereal, fruit, vegetables and milk — are the body’s main source of glucose.
After eating, glucose is absorbed into your bloodstream, where it travels to your body’s cells. A hormone referred to as insulin, which is produced in the pancreas, helps your cells use glucose for energy. If you eat more glucose than you need, your body will store it in your liver and muscles or change it into fat so it can be used for energy when it’s needed in the future.
Without enough glucose, your body can’t perform all of its normal functions. In the short term, people who aren’t on medications that increases insulin have enough glucose to help maintain blood sugar levels, and the liver can make glucose if needed. However, for those on these specific medications, a short-term reduction in blood sugar can cause a lot of problems. Your blood sugar is considered to be low when it drops below 70mg/dL. Immediate treatment for low blood sugar levels is crucial to help prevent more serious symptoms from ever developing.
