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Human body is known for performing complex functioning to keep you healthy and fit. Among these, an important element is blood sugar. Blood sugar or blood sugar level is the measure of glucose concentrated in the blood. The food that you intake contains glucose, which is transferred to various body parts with the help of insulin. The pancreas is responsible for producing insulin. After a certain age or due to known and unknown medical conditions, there can be alterations in the blood sugar level.
While high blood sugar seems a common problem, low blood sugar level is equally problematic. Commonly, it is known as hypoglycemia. There can be a number of physical problems if the blood sugar level drops down. In this article, we will talk about the problems associated with blood sugar levels, their causes, and how to increase blood sugar level immediately.
What is Normal Blood Sugar Level?
Blood sugar in the body fluctuates depending on your eating schedule. In the morning, before you have your breakfast, the blood sugar level is low since you haven't had food for the past 7-9 hours. However, after you consume food, your blood sugar level automatically boosts up. Check out the table below to have clarity on blood sugar levels before and after food intake:
- Blood sugar level (Fasting): 70-99 mg/dL
- Blood sugar level (After meal): Less than 140 mg/dL
The normal blood sugar during fasting should be ideally between 70-99 mg/dL. However, if your test results are less than the normal range, you are probably suffering from a low blood sugar problem. Hence, before delve into how to increase blood sugar let’s understand the symptoms of low blood sugar so that you can take proper precautions.
Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar
Hypoglycemia can occur in both diabetes patients and non-diabetic people. Some of the symptoms may also vary from one person to another. In case you are diabetic, it is best to conduct regular check-ups to keep up with the best situation. Here are some of the common symptoms of low blood sugar:
- Sweating
- Lightheaded
- Headache
- Jitters
- Irritability
- Anxiousness
- Shaking
- Chills
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Hunger
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Pale skin, and
- Irregular heartbeat
In extreme cases, hypoglycemia may show the following symptoms:
- Unconsciousness
- Problems with eating and drinking
- Seizures, and
- Extreme weakness
If you are suffering from these symptoms, it is best to at least perform a home test to check your blood sugar level. Apart from that, you may also go for a clinical blood test to know the exact blood sugar level. Now, let's know what to do when blood sugar is low.
How to Increase Blood Sugar Level Immediately?
Blood sugar is produced from the food that you eat. Hence, a low blood sugar level can be treated with the right food. You may wonder what to eat when blood sugar is low. Having 15 grams of carbohydrates immediately can help a lot. You may wait for 10-15 minutes, test your blood sugar level and repeat the food if it is still low. Here are foods to increase blood sugar:
- Fruits like banana, orange, or apple
- Grapes (15 at least)
- Raisins (2 tablespoon)
- Fruit juice (grapefruit, apple, pineapple, or orange)
- Chewy candy
- ½ cup regular soda
- Starburst (4)
- Skittles (15)
- Sugar and water (1 tablespoon sugar)
- Fat-free milk (1 cup)
- Honey, and
- Jelly
What to do if Blood Sugar is Very Low?
Apart from foods that raise blood sugar, there are certainly other ways as well to boost sugar level. A need for this may occur to someone experiencing extreme symptoms of low blood sugar, like unconsciousness or seizures. In such times, it is highly advisable to take the patient immediately to a doctor since it is an emergency case. The glucagon treatment is given through injections or nasal powder. Once given, the liver releases glucose in the blood, which eventually helps boost the blood sugar level. It can be a life-saving medication and helps people recover within 15 minutes. After this, the patient may be given food to balance the blood sugar level properly.
List of Fruits that Raise Blood Sugar Level
Apart from any other food items, fruits can help blood sugar levels faster. Here is a list of fruits that raise blood sugar. These include:
- Mangoes
- Figs
- Grapes
- Bananas
- Cherries
- Chikku
- Pineapple, and
- Jackfruit
These fruits are easily available everywhere. Fruits will not only help increase blood sugar levels but also give instant energy.
>> Also Read: How to Claim the Diabetes Cover in Health Insurance?
What Causes Low Blood Sugar?
Blood sugar problems are a complex matter, and there can be many reasons behind alterations in the blood sugar level. After understanding how to increase blood sugar level immediately, the causes of hypoglycemia is also essential to know. It will help you avoid such situations and take informed actions if ever needed. Here are some of the reasons for low blood sugar levels:
Diabetes
Diabetes or high blood sugar can be a reason behind the low blood sugar level. Usually, people with diabetes take certain medications to keep the high blood sugar content under control. However, if you eat less food while on medication, it can affect the blood sugar level and may force it to drop down. It can cause weakness, sweating, and other symptoms.
Apart from this, exercising more than what you do regularly can also affect your blood sugar level. So, make sure you maintain a balance between the food you eat and physical activities on a regular basis.
Medications
Consuming diabetes medicines by accident can bring down the blood sugar level. So, if you swallow it by mistake, it is best to consult a doctor.
Underlying Health Issues
A person with any disease or medical complications may show symptoms of hypoglycemia.
Insulinoma
It is a rare pancreas tumour that causes excessive insulin secretion. It will force the blood sugar level to go down.
Starvation
If you starve for too long, the blood sugar level may drop down. It may happen during fasting.
>>Also Read: What Is Health Insurance
To Conclude
Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar can turn serious, so make sure to take immediate action and consult a doctor soon. An underlying medical problem, a disease, wrong medications, etc., may cause blood sugar levels to drop. Usually, the symptoms fade away with quick actions and in a few hours. However, if one experiences a seizure or suffers unconsciousness, it is best to reach a doctor immediately.
Sometimes, low blood sugar levels may get quite serious and require medical treatment. In such cases, you may worry about the hefty hospital bills. When it comes to avail quality healthcare and protect your hard-earned money, a good health insurance plan always comes to your rescue. Well, with Care Health Insurance for diabetes, you can manage your finances effectively without breaking the bank. For more information visit our website or allow our experts to guide you.
Disclaimers: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.
