Hypoglycemia and Its Prevention

We’ve heard the term “sugar crash” ever since we were kids, and our parents were warning us to not eat too much of our candy from Trick-Or-Treating. But what exactly is a sugar crash, explained scientifically? A blood sugar crash is essentially a sudden drop in blood sugar, as known as glucose. It is known medically as hypoglycemia, and there are two types: reactive and fasting, either for diabetic or nondiabetic peoples. After consuming a large amount of carbohydrates, which is basically sugar, our energy levels drop, and causes undesired symptoms that can really affect our functioning negatively. 

When the human body intakes more sugar than it can take or is used to, it tends to produce insulin in order to maintain the levels consistent. The insulin will make the blood glucose go down, which results in a quick drop in energy levels. It typically occurs when the blood glucose levels go below 70 milligrams per deciliter. Therefore, we experience irritability, tiredness, discomfort, dizziness, and even hunger after we consume excessive sugar. In addition, other symptoms like blurred vision, lack of productivity, inability to focus, and even a loss of consciousness for some people can occur. People who have diabetes tend to experience more severe symptoms such as a coma or seizure. Their medications consisting of insulin or its production can cause a blood sugar crash also. 

To prevent hypoglycemia or to decrease the symptoms, monitoring our blood sugar is considered the best and most effective method. Checking it before and after meals, and more often if you are struggling with diabetes is important. However, if that is not possible, solutions such as eating a variety of food groups, such as protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrates, can keep glucose levels consistent. If consuming sugars, eat them along with other food groups. Planning meals out but not restricting any food types, and eating less but more often are also effective solutions to prevent an unwanted sugar crash. 

To conclude, monitoring your intake of sugars and having a balance of foods is your best bet at preventing or fixing hypoglycemia. Eating three meals daily along with healthy snacks can also be helpful for management of your blood sugar and feeling your best. However, if your symptoms of a “crash” keeps on persisting, make sure to talk to a healthcare professional, since that can be indicative of an underlying malnutrition complication.