What Level of Low Blood Sugar is Dangerous?

Low Blood Sugar Risks: What You Need to Know About Hypoglycemia

A physiological blood sugar level lower than 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) is considered low and harmful. Low blood sugar levels in older adults are very dangerous, and this condition is known as hypoglycemia, which requires immediate action.

What Causes Hypoglycemia or Low Blood Sugar in Diabetic Patients?

Many factors and conditions can cause hypoglycaemia in older adults, which we will discuss here in detail:

• Taking an excessive amount of insulin and injecting the syringe into the muscle rather than into fat tissues.
• Waiting too long to have a meal after taking the insulin for the meal.
• Overactive and doing more activities than usual daily routines.
• Drinking alcohol without taking a proper meal
• Not taking balanced meals with sufficient carbs, fibres and proteins.
• Skipping meals frequently and eating junk food.

Pregnant women with type 1 diabetes may experience low blood sugar levels during the first trimester due to nausea/vomiting and tight glycemic targets .

What Causes Hypoglycaemia in Non-Diabetic Patients?

Hypoglycemia in non-diabetic patients is mainly of two types: reactive hypoglycemia and fasting hypoglycemia.

Reactive Hypoglycemia

It happens if you experience low blood sugar after taking a meal, typically two to three hours after eating. It causes due to exaggerated insulin response and dumping syndrome (post-gastric surgery). Reactive hypoglycemia occurs after eating carbohydrate-rich foods like rice, potatoes, cake, white bread, and pastries.    

Fasting Hypoglycemia

In most cases of non-diabetic patients, skipping a meal for a longer period can result in hypoglycaemia. Whereas, there are some other reasons, including:

• Excessive Alcohol Consumption : Alcohol inhibits the hepatocytes from forming new glucose molecules, which is known as gluconeogenesis. Consuming excessive alcohol frequently, without adequate food, depletes the stored glucose of the body. Under these conditions, your body could not regulate blood glucose.   
• Adrenal Insufficiency : When the cortisol level falls below the normal level, it can cause adrenal insufficiency. Cortisol is an important hormone that helps regulate blood glucose levels. The low level can reduce the amount, leading to hypoglycemia.   
• Critical Illness : Patients can experience hypoglycaemia if they are suffering from critical illnesses, such as liver diseases, sepsis, kidney failure or starvation. The rate of glucose breakdown (glycolysis) is higher than glucose molecule production (gluconeogenesis).
• Insulinoma : It is a rare tumour formation in the pancreas that produces excess insulin. A higher level of insulin in the blood reduces the glucose level, leading to hypoglycaemia. People experience dizziness or anxiety early in the morning due to a higher level of insulin. 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Hypoglycaemia?

Symptoms of hypoglycaemia vary from one person to another. Many patients experience different symptoms for each episode of hypoglycaemia.

These are some common signs of hypoglycaemia:

• Weakness
• Trembling and sweating
• Polyphagia (excessive hunger)
• Chills and sweating
• Faster heart rate
• Lightheadedness or Dizziness
• Irritability or anxiety
• Numbness and tingling on the cheeks, lips, or tongue

Severe hypoglycaemia shows symptoms like:

• Slurred speech
• Blurred vision
• Difficulties with coordination and clumsiness
• Seizures
• Loss of Consciousness

Severe hypoglycaemia needs immediate medical attention, as it can worsen the situation. Worsened hypoglycaemia can lead to several complications, which we will discuss in a later section.