What Are the Causes of Low Blood Sugar?
Each article on the fitterfly website is a labor of love, reviewed by a team of certified medical experts specializing in various fields like Diabetology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, Psychology.
They carefully examine all references and facts to provide up-to-date and reliable information, aiming to break myths and empower you in your health journey.
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Dr. Vidya Jaydeep Walinjkar
Dr. Vidya Walinjkar has 14 yrs of experience as a diabetologist and physician. She currently works as a Consulting Diabetologist and Program Consultant for Type 2 diabetes members at Fitterfly.
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You’re out for a walk or busy with work when suddenly, you feel a little lightheaded, maybe a bit shaky. It’s nothing major, but you know something feels off. This could be low blood sugar or called hypoglycemia in medical terms. But why does it happen and what should you do?
There are several reasons, and in this blog, we’ll take you through them and share simple steps to manage it. Read on!
What Could The Causes of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)?
1. Skipping Meals vs. Fasting
- Skipping Meals: Missing meals or not eating on time can cause your blood sugar to drop, especially if you’re on diabetes medication. This happens more often if you forget to eat after taking insulin or other sugar-lowering medicines.
- Fasting: Going without food for a long time, like during fasting or long breaks between meals, can lower your blood sugar considerably. And ya, this can happen even if you don’t have diabetes.
2. Alcohol Consumption
Drinking alcohol, especially on an empty stomach, can prevent the liver from releasing stored glucose, leading to terribly low blood sugar levels.
3. Excessive Physical Activity Without Proper Nutrition
Doing intense exercise without consuming enough carbohydrates-rich food items like rice, roti, bread) can cause blood sugar to fall rapidly. This is especially risky for people with diabetes who do not adjust their food intake or medication accordingly.
If you or someone in your family or loved ones often experience low blood sugar levels or have diabetes, then you can have a 1-on-1 online consultation with our in-house diabetologist Dr. Vidya Walinjkar. She will do a detailed analysis and breakdown the situation for you and guide you on what to do.
4. Certain Medications & Medical Treatments
- Some antibiotics, heart medications, and antidepressants can interfere with blood sugar regulation.
- Weight-loss (bariatric) surgery may cause reactive hypoglycemia, where sugar levels drop too quickly after eating.
5. Underlying Health Conditions
- Liver disease: The liver helps store and release glucose; if it’s impaired, blood sugar levels may drop.
- Kidney disease: Impaired kidney function can slow insulin clearance, leading to lower blood sugar.
- Hormonal imbalances: Disorders affecting the adrenal or thyroid glands can interfere with glucose regulation.
- Insulinoma (a rare pancreatic tumor): This condition causes excess insulin production, leading to unexpected blood sugar drops.
6. Overproduction or Excess Use of Insulin
- Reactive hypoglycemia: The body releases too much insulin after eating, causing a sudden drop in blood sugar.
- Diabetes medications: Insulin and certain diabetes pills can lower blood sugar too much, especially if taken without food or in excessive doses.
7. High-Risk Groups
- Older adults & those with hypoglycemia unawareness may not feel the warning signs of low blood sugar, making it more dangerous.
- Pregnant women with diabetes may have fluctuating insulin needs, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.
| Low Blood Sugar Without Diabetes?🤔
Yes, it’s possible! Skipping meals, hormonal imbalances, or certain medications can cause your sugar levels to drop. If it happens often, don’t guess – get it checked! |
What Causes Fasting Hypoglycemia?
Fasting hypoglycemia happens when blood sugar drops too low after not eating for a long time, like overnight or after skipping meals.
- It can happen if your body’s glucose stores are low. People with liver problems or hormonal imbalances are more likely to experience this.
- It can also occur in those who over-exercise or have certain health conditions.
If you feel symptoms of low blood sugar after not eating, it’s important to talk to a doctor.
When to See a Doctor?
If you feel shaky, dizzy, confused, or weak, and it doesn’t get better after eating or drinking something sugary, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. Also, if you often experience low blood sugar or if it happens without a clear reason, you should get it checked.
If the symptoms get severe or you pass out, seek medical help immediately. Your doctor can help find the cause and guide you on how to treat it.
How to Treat Low Blood Sugar?
1. The Rule of 15
- Step 1: Check your blood sugar. If it’s below 70 mg/dL, eat 15 grams of fast-acting carbs (e.g., 3-4 glucose tablets, ½ cup of juice, or 1 tablespoon of sugar).
- Step 2: Wait 15 minutes and check again. If still low, repeat.
- Step 3: Once stable, eat a balanced meal with protein and carbs.
What to Do in Severe Low Blood Sugar?
If blood sugar drops below 54 mg/dL or the person cannot eat, call emergency help immediately. Even after giving glucagon, seek medical care. Don’t wait for symptoms to improve on their own.
Always consult your doctor for personalized advice.
How We At Fitterfly Can Help You?
At Fitterfly, we understand that managing blood sugar levels, especially when dealing with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), can be a challenge. Our team of Nutrition Coaches works with you to create a personalized meal plan that helps stabilize your blood sugar levels. We emphasize balanced, nutrient-dense foods that prevent blood sugar drops and keep you feeling energized throughout the day.
Additionally, if you’re experiencing frequent blood sugar fluctuations, our Fitness Coaches can guide you with simple, effective exercises tailored to your health and lifestyle. Exercise plays a key role in managing your overall health, and we help you find a routine that fits your unique needs.
Finally, our Success Coaches are here to support you in making small but impactful changes that last. Whether you’re managing your medication, keeping track of your food intake, or finding ways to reduce stress, we ensure that you have the tools and support to succeed.
Reach out to us today by calling 08069450746 and take the first step toward a healthier, more balanced lifestyle!
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This blog provides general information for educational and informational purposes only and shouldn't be seen as professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason for lower blood sugar?
Low blood sugar can occur when the body doesn’t have enough glucose (sugar) for energy. This can happen if you skip meals, exercise intensely without eating enough, or take too much medication. It can also occur if you drink alcohol on an empty stomach.
What deficiency causes low blood sugar?
Low blood sugar can be caused by a deficiency in certain nutrients, particularly vitamins and minerals that support blood sugar regulation, like B vitamins and magnesium. However, it's more common for low blood sugar to be linked to an imbalance in insulin or other hormones rather than a specific nutrient deficiency.
What is the reason for low sugar without diabetes?
Low blood sugar in people without diabetes can happen due to hormonal imbalances, overuse of certain medications, or prolonged fasting. Other possible causes include liver or kidney problems or a condition called insulinoma (a rare tumor that causes too much insulin production).
Can stress cause low blood sugar?
Yes, stress can lead to low blood sugar. Stress triggers the release of hormones like adrenaline, which can increase the body’s demand for energy. If the body doesn’t have enough glucose available, it can cause a drop in blood sugar levels.
Can iron deficiency cause low blood sugar?
Iron deficiency does not directly cause low blood sugar. However, iron is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood, and iron deficiency anemia can cause symptoms like weakness or fatigue, which might be mistaken for low blood sugar. It’s important to address any nutritional deficiencies to avoid overall health issues.
What hormone deficiency causes low blood sugar?
Hormonal deficiencies, particularly in insulin (which lowers blood sugar) and glucagon (which raises blood sugar), can cause low blood sugar. Cortisol and growth hormone imbalances can also impact blood sugar levels. When the body doesn’t produce enough of these hormones, it can lead to low sugar levels.
What causes blood sugar to drop after eating?
Blood sugar can drop after eating due to overproduction of insulin, which is a reaction to the sugar in the food. This is often seen in people with conditions like reactive hypoglycemia, where the body releases too much insulin after a meal, causing blood sugar to drop too low. It can also happen if the meal is high in simple carbohydrates or sugar.
