Hypoglycemia: Low Blood Sugar
Information, Research, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
The below provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. Any treatment protocol should be discussed with a qualified healthcare practitioner. Please refer to: Medical & Legal Disclaimer.
Blood Sugar Monitoring
Understanding Hypoglycemia
Medical Definition
Hypoglycemia, the medical term for low blood sugar, is a common complication among diabetes patients. It is characterized by low glucose levels (less than 40 mg/dL or 2.2 mmol/L).
⚠️ Hypoglycemia is a serious condition and may require immediate medical intervention.
Blood Glucose Levels (Fasting) - Analysis
⬇️ Low Blood Sugar
Less than 40 mg/dL
(2.2 mmol/L)
✅ Normal Range
70 to 99 mg/dL
(3.9 to 5.5 mmol/L)
⚠️ Pre-diabetes
100 to 125 mg/dL
(5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L)
⬆️ Diabetes
126 mg/dL and above
(7.0 mmol/L)
Warning Signs & Emergency Treatment
American Diabetes Association Warning Signs:
From the American Diabetes Association's official guidelines for hypoglycemia recognition and treatment.
🚨 Symptoms May Include:
⚠️ If left untreated it can lead to confusion, coma and death.
🚑 Emergency Treatment:
Immediate Action:
Treat hypoglycemia as soon as you notice symptoms. The condition can quickly become an emergency without treatment.
Quick Sugar Sources:
- • Few pieces of hard candy
- • 1/2 cup of fruit juice
- • Glucose tablets
Emergency Backup:
Have a glucagon syringe on hand. Ensure friends and family know how to use it if you pass out. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate professional help.
High Risk Factors
Screening is especially important for people at high risk of developing diabetes, such as:
Family History
of diabetes
Overweight
BMI considerations
Age 40-45+
and older
Nutritional Support
General Dietary Approach:
Dietary changes such as eating frequent small meals and several snacks a day and choosing complex carbohydrates over simple sugars may be enough to ease symptoms.
🍌 Bananas
The vitamin B6 in bananas regulates blood glucose levels. The high potassium content also helps with high blood pressure.
🌾 Barley
Helps stabilize glucose levels and is great for use by diabetics.
Note: Contains gluten and must be avoided if you are a celiac patient or allergic to barley.
🌰 Flax Seeds
Contains a high percentage of soluble fiber that slows glucose absorption from food, reduces glycemic index and keeps blood sugar stable.
Other Fiber Sources:
Beans (kidney, lima, black, navy, pinto), legumes (peas, lentils), oatmeal and vegetables.
Usage Tip:
Mix a handful of ground flaxseeds with your yogurt or beverage.
🐟 Cod Liver Oil
Used in trials with both insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Improved glucose response and other disease markers.
Vitamin A benefits: Promotes healing and protects the retina, both problem areas in diabetic patients.
🌿 American Ginseng
Research review in Diabetes Care (April 2003) found strongest evidence for American ginseng in managing blood glucose.
Research Suggests:
- • May help lower blood glucose after meals
- • May reduce average glucose over 3-month period
Note: Larger, longer-controlled studies are still needed.