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A low blood sugar condition is medically known as hypoglycemia. The blood sugar levels fall drastically below 70 mg /dL. It can be fatal if left untreated. The common cause of low blood sugar is an overdose of insulin or any other medicine, any illness, or an improper diet. Low blood sugar treatment varies according to the sugar levels.
In this blog, we will explain the causes, steps to take, and home remedies for low blood sugar. After reading this, you will have a complete understanding of how to deal with low blood sugar levels.
Understanding the Causes of Low Blood Sugar
Now, let’s know why instances of low blood sugar happen. The following are the probable causes of low blood sugar levels in your body:
Diabetes-related causes
Low blood sugar often occurs in people with diabetes. For those with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, insulin overuse or timing issues can lead to hypoglycemia. In Type 2 diabetes, certain medications like sulfonylureas may also cause blood sugar to drop too low. Diabetic patients who delay or skip meals are particularly at risk of experiencing hypoglycemic episodes.
Hormonal and metabolic causes
Various hormonal and metabolic conditions can lead to low blood sugar. Adrenal insufficiency can affect blood sugar regulation because the adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones. Hypothyroidism, kidney or liver dysfunction can interfere with the body’s ability to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Lifestyle factors
Our daily habits play a significant role in blood sugar management. Intense physical activity without proper nutrition can rapidly deplete blood sugar. Extreme dieting or eating disorders may lead to insufficient calorie intake, causing blood sugar to drop. Irregular meal patterns can also disrupt the body’s ability to maintain stable glucose levels.
Rare causes
While uncommon, conditions like insulinoma (an insulin-producing tumor) can cause recurrent hypoglycemia. Some inherited metabolic disorders may also affect the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar effectively.
Identifying personal triggers
Understanding individual triggers is crucial for managing hypoglycemia. Keeping a food and activity diary can help identify patterns in blood sugar fluctuations. Recognizing these patterns and working with healthcare providers can help pinpoint personal causes and develop effective management strategies.
Risk factors for developing hypoglycemia
Certain factors increase the risk of experiencing low blood sugar. Age is a significant factor, with very young children and the elderly being at higher risk. Certain medical conditions and medications increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
The body’s response to low blood sugar
Understanding how the body normally regulates blood sugar helps in grasping the significance of hypoglycemia. When blood sugar drops too low, the body typically responds with various symptoms to alert the individual.
Read More: Is Apple Good for Diabetes Patients?
What To Do When Sugar Levels Are Between 55-70 mg/dL?
If your sugar levels are between 55 and 70 mg/dL, consider any of the following natural low-sugar remedies. There is a 15-15 rule where you consume 15 grams of carbs and check after 15 minutes. Here’s how to increase your blood sugar level immediately:
- A glass of water with 1 tablespoon of sugar in it.
- 1 tablespoon of Honey
- 2 tablespoons of raisins
- ½ cup of apple or orange juice
- 1 cup of fat-free milk
- ½ banana
- 1 small apple
- 3 to 4 glucose tablets
Wait for 15 minutes and measure your sugar levels. If they are greater than or equal to 100 mg/dL, you are fine. Otherwise, take one more portion. Repeat until your sugar levels are normal to 100 mg/dL.
What To Do When Sugar Levels Are Below 55 mg/dL?
If the sugar levels are less than 55 mg/dL and the patient is conscious, then immediately give:
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- ½ cup of 100% orange juice
- 1/3 cup of 100% grape juice
Repeat the sugar level checks after waiting for fifteen minutes. Follow the low-sugar home treatment mentioned above until your blood sugar returns to normal.
Eat a diet high in protein as soon as you’re back to your regular schedule. Try eating a handful of peanuts or peanuts with crackers. This will assist in maintaining normal blood sugar levels.
However, give the doctor a call right away if you are still having problems getting your blood sugar levels back to normal.
Read More: Is Banana Good For Diabetes Patients
Table of Summary: Low Blood Sugar Levels
| Blood Glucose Range (mg/dL) | Remedies | Additional guidelines if remedies don’t work |
|---|---|---|
| 55-70 mg/dL | A glass of water with 1 tbsp sugar | After 15 mins, check the sugar. If ≥100 mg/dL, you’re fine. If not, take another portion until sugar reaches normal (<100 mg/dL). |
| 1 tbsp honey | ||
| 2 tbsp raisins | ||
| ½ cup apple or orange juice | ||
| 1 cup fat-free milk | ||
| ½ banana | ||
| 1 small apple | ||
| 3 to 4 glucose tablets | ||
| Below 55 mg/dL | 1 tablespoon of Honey | After 15 mins, retest sugar levels. If still low, repeat treatment until they normalize. Consume protein-rich foods to maintain stability. If problems persist, seek medical assistance immediately. |
| ½ cup of 100% orange juice | ||
| 1/3 cup of 100% grape juice |
Note: It is essential to follow these steps under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Consult your doctor for personalized advice on how to increase blood sugar levels immediately.
Top 9 Home Remedies for Improving Low Sugar
Now, we discuss some top home remedies for blood sugar drops in a hypoglycemic state. These remedies have proven helpful in shooting up sugar levels in a very short amount of time.
1. Glucose-Enhanced Water
Ingredients
- 1 glass of water
- 2 tablespoons glucose powder (available at pharmacies)
Method of Preparation
- Dissolve glucose powder in water
- Stir well and drink immediately.
Check your sugar levels after 15 minutes. Have another glass of it if they aren’t at the required levels.
2. Honey Cashew Syrup
Ingredients
- Warm water
- Crushed cashew nuts
- Honey
Methods of Preparations
- Take one glass of warm water.
- Add two tablespoons of crushed cashew nuts.
- Add one tablespoon of honey.
- Mix it well and drink it every night for better results.
Check sugar after 15 minutes. If it is above 100 mg/dL, you are fine. Otherwise, take half a cup of the same syrup again.
3. Applesauce
Ingredients
- 3 Apples
- Sugar
- Water
Methods of Preparation:
- Rinse & peel apples.
- Chop them and place them in the pan.
- Pour water into the pan with apples so that they are covered with water.
- Put the pan on low flame.
- Add sugar if needed.
- Keep stirring till the apples are cooked.
- Mash the apples or blend them.
- Your apple sauce is ready. Refrigerate it and use it.
Take ½ cup of applesauce whenever your sugar goes below or in between 55-70 mg/dL.
4. Black Grapes & Apple Juice
Ingredients
- Black grapes
- Apples
- ½ tablespoon Sugar
- Water
Methods of Preparation
- Take an apple and chop it.
- Add one cup of black grapes.
- Add some water and a tablespoon of sugar.
- Make juice & drink half a cup of it anytime.
5. Quick Fruit Smoothie
Ingredients
Method of Preparation
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Consume right away. If the sugar level is constantly hitting the range of 70 mg/dL and below add a spoon if refined sugar and consume it for a couple of days.
6. Raisins Milk Blend
Ingredients
Methods of Preparation
- Take one glass of hot water.
- Add about 2 tablespoons of raisins and mix them well.
- Drink this as it helps you regain your blood sugar level quickly.
- Include this into your routine for some days when you track your sugar levels and are constantly hitting below 70 mg/dL.
7. Honey & Milk
Ingredients
- Milk
- Honey
Methods of Preparation
- Take one glass of milk.
- Add 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of honey.
- And drink it whenever you feel that your blood sugar level is getting down.
8. Nut Butter Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons peanut or almond butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons rolled oats
Method of Preparation
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl
- Form into small balls
- Eat 1-2 balls as needed
9. Quick Oatmeal Boost
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup quick oats
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon each of sugar and honey
- A pinch of salt
Method
- Mix oats and salt in a bowl
- Add hot water and stir
- Let sit for a minute
- Then mix in honey and sugar
This glucose and sucrose-loaded meal will provide a good boost to your sugar levels.
Read More: Is Oats Good For Diabetics ? Glycemic Index of Oats
Summary
Raisins, fruit juices, glucose water, applesauce, etc., are all beneficial for raising blood sugar levels. Use them in appropriate quantities to avoid hypoglycemia. Some people believe that eating anything sweet, like chocolate or sugar, can increase their sugar levels. But the fact is, these things do not work as quickly to raise blood sugar levels. The combinations/ recipes mentioned above are a fast-acting way to counteract low blood sugar levels.
Prevention Tips
Following are the prevention tips that will help you avoid low blood sugar episodes:
Regular Blood Sugar Monitoring:
Frequent blood glucose checks are crucial for preventing hypoglycemia. Use a reliable glucose meter to test your blood sugar levels throughout the day, especially before and after meals, before and after exercise, and bedtime. Record your readings to identify patterns and potential triggers for low blood sugar.
Balanced Meal Planning:
Develop a consistent meal schedule that balances carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Work with a registered dietitian to create a personalized meal plan that aligns with your medication schedule and daily activities.
Medication Management:
If you’re taking insulin or other diabetes medications, ensure you’re using them correctly. Review your medication regimen with your healthcare provider regularly. Be aware of how different medications affect your blood sugar, and adjust doses as needed. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and never adjust medication without professional guidance.
Exercise Safely:
Intense physical activity sometimes can lower blood sugar, so take precautions when exercising. Check your blood sugar before workouts is a must. If your blood sugar is below 100 mg/dL, have a small snack before exercising and avoid strenuous workout that day. Always carry fast-acting carbohydrates during exercise.
Alcohol Awareness
If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation and always with food. Alcohol can cause delayed hypoglycemia, especially when consumed on an empty stomach. Be extra vigilant about checking your blood sugar if you’ve been drinking. And don’t go with the flow, and drink responsibly.
Stress Management:
Stress can affect blood sugar levels, so incorporate stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine. This might include meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or regular physical activity. Adequate sleep is also crucial for stress management and overall blood sugar control.
Educate Your Support Network
Teach family members, friends, and coworkers about the signs of hypoglycemia and how to help in an emergency. Show them where you keep your glucose tablets or other fast-acting carbohydrates.
Regular Health Check-ups
Schedule regular appointments with your healthcare team, including your primary care physician, endocrinologist, and other specialists, as needed. Regular check-ups can help catch potential problems early and ensure your treatment plan remains effective.
By implementing these prevention strategies, individuals at risk for hypoglycemia can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of low blood sugar episodes, leading to better overall health and quality of life.
Read More: Is Wheat Roti (Chapati) Good for Diabetes?
Conclusion
Managing low blood sugar effectively is crucial for those at risk of hypoglycemia. This article has provided several natural home remedies to quickly raise blood sugar levels, from the 15-15 rule to specific recipes like honey cashew syrup and applesauce.
Remember that while these remedies can be helpful, they should be used under medical guidance. Understanding your body’s needs and working closely with your diabetologist to develop your personalized management plan is essential.
By being prepared and informed, you can confidently handle low blood sugar episodes and maintain better overall health. Always prioritize regular check-ups and follow your doctor’s advice for optimal blood sugar control.
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Read More: 10 Low Glycemic Fruits for Diabetics
Last Updated on by Dr. Damanjit Duggal
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