Listen to your body
Text: Matej Lovšin, photo: Vecteezy
Hypoglycemia is one of the most dangerous complications of diabetes, as it often occurs unexpectedly and can escalate very quickly from a mild discomfort to a serious medical condition. Research shows that people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes experience an average of about 2.5 severe hypoglycemic episodes per year. Although patients with type 2 diabetes are generally at lower risk, treatment with insulin or certain medications can also cause dangerously low blood sugar in them.
The symptoms of hypoglycemia can vary widely. The most common include trembling, sweating, hunger, a rapid heartbeat, pale skin, and poor coordination. Behavioral changes, confusion, slurred speech, and irritability are also common. In more severe cases, unresponsiveness or even loss of consciousness may occur. So-called “unrecognized hypoglycemia” is particularly dangerous, as the patient does not experience any noticeable symptoms, yet their blood sugar levels are still too low.
Numerous factors influence the onset of hypoglycemia. Among the most common are excessive physical activity, an excessive dose of insulin, skipping meals or consuming too few carbohydrates, alcohol consumption, severe stress, hormonal fluctuations, and acute illnesses such as a cold or the flu.
Since hypoglycemia manifests slightly differently in each individual, it is important for patients to learn to listen to their bodies. It is recommended to monitor symptoms and keep a diabetes diary, especially in the period following diagnosis. It is also extremely important that loved ones—family members, friends, and coworkers—are aware of the condition, as they can provide crucial assistance in emergencies.
The course of action depends on the severity of the drop in blood sugar. In cases of mild hypoglycemia, the patient can usually treat it themselves by quickly consuming carbohydrates. In more severe cases, assistance from others is often needed, and in the most severe cases, emergency medical care may be required. Since hypoglycemia can develop very quickly, it’s a good idea to have a plan in place and always carry a suitable source of carbohydrates with you.
