Hyperglycemia or high blood sugar can cause long-term damage to the body. It may lead to kidney disease, cardiovascular problems, eye problems, and other complications. The opposite of hyperglycemia is hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Just like hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia can damage the body. What are the symptoms of hypoglycaemia and how can it be avoided?

It is important to immediately recognize the signs of hypoglycemia and avoid the complications associated with it, including diabetic coma. The signs may vary as different people will exhibit different symptoms when their blood sugar is too low. Generally, the symptoms of hypoglycaemia may include any or all of the following:

• Hunger pangs
• Panic attack or nervousness
• Dizziness or feeling light-headed
• Weakness, lethargy or wanting to go to sleep
• Confusion, difficulty in speaking and creating coherent thoughts

The signals will be familiar to you once you’ve experienced hypoglycemia a couple of times. Your body will find ways to tell you that it needs food. It is important to pay attention to the signs and check your blood sugar using your monitor (carrying one around is important for diabetics). It is also important to have glucose tablets or hard candies handy. Taking them right away will immediately raise your blood sugar level. After a few minutes, you may again check your blood sugar to see if it has returned to normal. Keep in mind that the glucose tablet or hard candy will take effect immediately but the effect will not last very long. That is why it’s called a sugar rush. You must still have a snack or a meal to keep your blood sugar level at a normal range.

Another precautionary measure would be to carry around something, a card maybe, which will identify you as a diabetic. This card may contain important information such as the person to contact in case of an emergency or first aid instructions in case you experience an attack. It can very well save your life in case you become light-headed and no longer able to help yourself.

Taking a snack every two or three hours can keep your blood glucose up and help prevent symptoms of hypoglycaemia from developing. This is especially important when you are working or exercising and spending energy.

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