What Causes Hypoglycemia

Experiencing sudden energy drops, shakiness, or intense sugar cravings? These could be signs of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.

Left untreated, hypoglycemia can become a serious health issue. It’s concerning when these symptoms persist despite a seemingly healthy lifestyle.

Let's explore the causes of hypoglycemia. We'll uncover why a "healthy" lifestyle might not always guarantee stable glucose levels and what you can do about it.

Understanding the Causes of Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia occurs when blood glucose levels drop too low. This can cause symptoms like sweating, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, shakiness, dizziness, and confusion.

Determining the root causes requires considering factors like age, medication use, and lifestyle.

Sugar and the Blood Sugar Rollercoaster

In younger individuals, excessive sugar consumption is a common cause of hypoglycemia. The body maintains a glucose balance in the blood.

Consuming large amounts of sugar triggers the pancreas to lower blood glucose levels. Repeatedly doing this can cause excess sugar storage in liver cells.

Insulin is released later to move glucose into cells for energy or fat storage. This process creates a blood sugar rollercoaster, with highs and lows impacting energy levels and overall health.

This can increase the risk of hypoglycemia unawareness over time. Hypoglycemia unawareness is particularly concerning as it may leave individuals unable to recognize the early signs of low blood sugar, leading to potentially severe complications like fainting or seizures.

Adrenal Stress and Hypoglycemia

While sugar is a typical cause of low blood glucose for those under 30, adrenal stress becomes a factor with age. Overexertion can stress the adrenals, impacting blood sugar control.

Adrenal stress leads to protein storage in liver cells, similar to excess sugar. This can create fluctuations in blood glucose.

Adequate protein, healthy fats, and managing stress can help mitigate these effects. Stress management techniques or adequate sleep are critical for reducing adrenal fatigue and stabilizing blood sugar.

Combining these lifestyle adjustments with a nutrient-rich diet can significantly improve overall glucose control.

Beyond Sugar: Other Contributors to Hypoglycemia

Sugar isn't the sole culprit behind hypoglycemia. Other factors contribute to low blood glucose levels.

Medications

Some medications can increase the risk of hypoglycemia, especially with pre-existing health conditions. Consult with a healthcare provider about potential interactions.

Some medications linked to low blood sugar are diabetes medicines like sulfonylureas, biguanides, and insulin if the dosage isn't correct.

Other common medications like aspirin and quinine may require a doctor's consultation before use if you have low blood glucose.

Alcohol

Excessive alcohol can impair the liver's glucose production for 8, 12, or even 24 hours. Even in healthy adults, exceeding your caloric allowance for glucose, including from alcohol, can lead to low blood glucose.

Over time, excessive alcohol intake can contribute to chronic low blood glucose, similar to other dietary imbalances.

Insulin Issues

Problems with insulin production or management can cause reactive hypoglycemia (low blood glucose after meals) or fasting hypoglycemia (low blood glucose after periods without food).

Addressing insulin issues through medication, diet, and continuous glucose monitoring is vital for diabetes management.

Addressing insulin issues through medication, diet, and continuous glucose monitoring is vital for effective management.

Insulin regulation can also benefit from dietary strategies like reducing high-glycemic foods and incorporating fiber-rich meals.

Practical Tips to Manage and Prevent Hypoglycemia

Understanding the causes of hypoglycemia is the first step. Implementing practical strategies to manage and prevent it is equally crucial. Here's what you can do:

Dietary Changes

This involves more than just cutting back on sugar; it’s about balanced nutrition with enough healthy fats and minerals to stabilize blood glucose.

To prevent low blood sugar and manage dips, avoid excessive sugar and incorporate healthy fats and electrolytes.

Consuming adequate minerals, including sea salt, can also help with adrenal function and prevent dips.

A modified intermittent fasting schedule, along with supplements or foods that support adrenal health, can also be beneficial.

Consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized guidance on managing your diet for blood sugar control.

Managing Hypoglycemia Through Balanced Nutritional Choices

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can occur when diets are overly restrictive or poorly balanced, leading to symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and irritability.

For individuals managing their sugar intake, it's crucial to choose alternatives that won't contribute to blood sugar crashes. This is where understanding what is erythritol becomes beneficial.

Erythritol is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener that doesn't spike insulin or blood sugar levels, making it a safer option for those prone to hypoglycemia.

Incorporating erythritol into your diet as a sugar substitute can help maintain stable energy levels while supporting a balanced, low-carb eating plan.

Conclusion

Hypoglycemia is more than just low blood sugar; it’s a complex issue with various underlying causes. Addressing hypoglycemia involves more than just avoiding sweets.

It requires a holistic approach, evaluating lifestyle habits, seeking professional guidance, and prioritizing long-term health optimization.

Strategies like balanced meal planning, regular glucose monitoring, and mindful sugar substitutes such as erythritol can help prevent blood sugar crashes.

Consult a physician or care provider for personalized recommendations and support to effectively manage and prevent hypoglycemia.

FAQs about causes of hypoglycemia

What causes hypoglycemia in non-diabetic people?

Hypoglycemia in non-diabetic individuals can stem from various factors like reactive hypoglycemia (low blood sugar after meals), fasting hypoglycemia (low blood sugar after not eating), medications, alcohol consumption, and underlying medical conditions such as kidney disease or liver disease.

What is the most common cause of hypoglycemia?

The most common cause of hypoglycemia is taking too much insulin or diabetes medications.

It can also be from inconsistent eating patterns like delaying or skipping meals, including using intermittent fasting without properly monitoring blood glucose levels with a glucose meter or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)

What can mimic hypoglycemia?

Conditions like anxiety attacks, panic attacks, and heart conditions can mimic hypoglycemia symptoms.

A healthcare professional can conduct blood tests or use a continuous glucose monitor to accurately diagnose the issue and rule out other medical conditions.

How do you prevent hypoglycemia?

Preventing hypoglycemia involves healthy lifestyle adjustments, including balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and proper medication adherence.

Monitoring blood glucose levels regularly is crucial for people with diabetes or at risk of hypoglycemia.