Diabetes and Low Blood Sugar

Glucose, a form of sugar, is the body’s main source of fuel. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, happens when blood levels of glucose fall too low to supply your body’s activity.

Carbohydrates (sugars and starches) are the body’s main sources of glucose. When you are digesting food, glucose is absorbed into your blood stream. Your blood carries glucose to every cell in your body. Unused glucose is stored in your liver.

Hypoglycemia can be a diabetesrelated problem, a condition by itself, or as a complication of other health problems.

When you use insulin or diabetes pills to help control your blood glucose, you are at a greater risk for hypoglycemia. Taking too much medication, missing or delaying a meal, eating too little food for the amount of insulin taken, exercising too strenuously, drinking too much alcohol, or any combination of these factors can contribute to low blood sugar.

The symptoms of low blood sugar are weakness, sleepiness, confusion, hunger and dizziness. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away.