7 Causes You May Have Low Blood Sugar Even when You Do not Have Diabetes

Low blood sugar, recognized medically as hypoglycemia, is usually related to taking insulin for diabetes—however different conditions may trigger your blood glucose (sugar) to dip or grow to be too low. A number of elements usually mix to set off low blood sugar in individuals who haven’t got diabetes.

Medicines are one of the vital frequent causes of low blood sugar, particularly in the event you take excessive doses. Examples of medicines that will trigger low blood sugar embrace:

Beta-blocker medicines for hypertension, similar to Inderal (propranolol) Ache relievers, similar to Advil (ibuprofen)Some antibiotics, similar to Cipro (ciprofloxacin) and Biaxin (clarithromycin)Medicines for psychological well being, similar to Lithobid (lithium)Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, similar to Capoten (captopril)

Alcohol impacts the best way you metabolize sugar, and consuming an excessive amount of of it might generally result in low blood sugar. Individuals who binge drink have the next threat of hypoglycemia. Alcohol can also be extra more likely to trigger low blood sugar in the event you drink it on an empty abdomen.

Making an excessive amount of insulin may cause your blood sugar ranges to drop. Some uncommon situations, similar to some genetic situations and pancreatic cancers, may cause insulin overproduction and low blood sugar. Some individuals who’ve had gastric bypass surgical procedure for weight reduction are additionally in danger.

When your physique’s vitality shops are low from not getting sufficient energy, it is tougher to extend glucose ranges. Individuals with malnutrition, together with from consuming problems similar to anorexia, are vulnerable to low blood sugar.

Whereas some folks can quick for days with out issues, fasting could set off low blood sugar in folks with different threat elements. Equally, a dramatic improve in train may set off low blood sugar.

Sure sorts of hormone deficiencies can result in low blood sugar. For instance, pituitary gland problems may trigger impaired launch of hormones you must regulate your blood sugar.

Equally, with Addison’s illness, your adrenal glands cannot launch sufficient cortisol. This may additionally contribute to hypoglycemia. Having hypothyroidism may improve one’s general threat.

Low blood sugar could be a complication of sure continual illnesses, particularly if they’re extreme. These embrace:

Liver diseaseKidney diseaseHeart failureSepsis, a extreme an infection

Reactive hypoglycemia happens when your physique releases an excessive amount of insulin after a meal. This causes your blood sugar to drop an excessive amount of about two to 5 hours later. It is extra doubtless in the event you had meals excessive in carbohydrates.

Reactive hypoglycemia happens extra usually in folks with diabetes or prediabetes, however it might additionally occur in some folks with out these situations.

In case you expertise hypoglycemia, it’s possible you’ll discover signs of low blood sugar like:

SweatingHungerBlurred visionTremorsRapid heartbeatDizziness

A small dip in blood sugar could trigger extra minor signs. For instance, you may really feel a little bit shaky or irritable. You may not have true hypoglycemia, however your barely low blood sugar is likely to be uncomfortable.

If very extreme, low blood sugar may even trigger seizures or coma.

To deal with low blood sugar, eat or drink one thing that’s excessive in fast-acting carbohydrates, like a glass of juice. Comply with that with a longer-acting carbohydrate with protein, similar to crackers and cheese.

If somebody is experiencing extreme signs of low blood sugar, like a lack of consciousness, name 911. Medical professionals may give the hormone glucagon, which shortly will increase blood sugar ranges. Some folks at excessive threat may carry a glucagon emergency equipment. 

Low blood sugar cannot all the time be prevented. However in case you are susceptible to it, you possibly can decrease your dangers. Strive these approaches

Eat often and keep away from skipping meals.
Take into account the glycemic index of the meals you eat. Meals that shortly convert to glucose (excessive glycemic index meals) improve your blood sugar the quickest, however additionally they contribute to a later hypoglycemic crash.
Do not overdo strenuous actions in case your physique is not used to them.
Have a small snack earlier than or after train. 
Do not drink alcohol on an empty abdomen, and do not drink to extra. Keep away from strenuous bodily actions after consuming, too. 
Work with a health care provider to handle any medical situations and medicines to assist keep away from low blood sugar. Take your medicines precisely as prescribed. 

For issues about gentle signs of low blood sugar, make an appointment with a health care provider. A major care supplier might help you establish the trigger or refer you to a specialist as wanted. For critical indicators, like seizures or lack of consciousness, get rapid medical consideration.