Fears of high blood sugar are drilled into the brains of those with diabetes, but there is a lesser known symptom to be aware of too. Hypoglycemia is one of the most common symptoms.

Yes, extremely low blood sugar can also affect diabetics!

It may seem counterintuitive, but too much insulin in the bloodstream triggers a drop in glucose levels that can be dangerous.

What Causes Hypoglycemia?

There are a few potential causes of hypoglycemia. Patients who take insulin may inadvertently overdose when they don’t eat enough during the day or even exercise too much.

Some Prediabetics and Type 2 Diabetics have a working pancreas that is putting out a lot of insulin, but they suffer from insulin insensitivity. For whatever reason, their bodies may suddenly respond to the large amount of insulin and, boom, their blood sugar levels plummet. This could be the result of making dietary or lifestyle changes that are ironically having a positive impact on their health.

When this happens, it takes a little while for the pancreas to adjust its insulin production to match the body’s current needs.

Funnily enough, insulin overproduction can occur if patients go off their diets and eat a lot of sugary foods for a few days. The body ramps up insulin production to quickly counter the increased glucose levels. Even though your blood glucose reading may be normal or above normal, you still experience symptoms. Why? Because the sudden drop in glucose levels triggered them.

Why Is Hypoglycemia Hazardous?

Low blood sugar can mean there isn’t enough glucose available in the blood to supply the body’s cells with energy when they need it. If enough cells go without, it triggers the body’s stress hormones, such as epinephrine. You’ll notice an increased heartbeat, sweating, shakiness and even anxiety.

If you don’t treat the low blood sugar levels with about 15 grams of simple carbs, the symptoms get worse. You’ll get weak, lightheaded, and dizzy. Some people start having trouble with coordination, which can impact walking and driving.

Severe low blood sugar leads to seizures, unconsciousness, and death. It’s essential that you start treating it or run to a medical provider who can treat it before you get to this point. Thankfully, most diabetics can recognize the mild symptoms early and take action to counter it by eating something.