Hypoglycemia Symptoms – Brain Health

By M. CHRIS WOLF, PH.D.

Hypoglycemia symptoms are low blood sugar. It can be a side effect of diabetes medication. It occurs when the level of sugar, or glucose, in the blood drops too low to fuel the body.

The hypoglycemia symptoms may include confusion, difficulty speaking, memory loss, anxiety, heart palpitations, sweating, tremor, nervousness, hunger, trembling, weakness, and shakiness.

What can cause the low blood sugar?

- Drinking too much alcohol may cause hypoglycemia.

- Too much or too little medication used to treat diabetes.

- Not getting enough food or skipping meals.

- Exerting too much energy in a short period of time.

Eating or drinking something with carbohydrates can help. If it happens often, you should speak with your health care provider.

IMPORTANT: If you are diabetic, you may need a change in your current treatment plan.

The prognosis or outlook for someone with hypoglycemia is good. *This is clearly a reversible form of memory loss.* Of course, proper detection and treatment are needed.

IMPORTANT: Repeated episodes of hypoglycemia over time may cause permanent injury to the brain.

The consequences of repeated episodes can include coma, seizure, or damage to brain tissue or nerves.

So… How can all of this be prevented?

If you have diabetes, careful control of your blood sugar is very important. You need to be using a blood sugar testing kit at home.

Proper exercise is very important. This would include exercising enough but not too much for your particular situation. Always obtain the guidance of your health care provider.

As noted above, proper diet and nutrition is a very important component of a prevention program.

All of the above should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Good communication between you and your provider is vital to your overall health.

When you meet with your doctor or provider, be prepared to discuss your concerns. Take notes with you to the appointment. Check off each note as it is discussed.

Don’t ever be shy about this. We are talking about your health and well-being.

IMPORTANT: Avoid leaving the doctors office and feeling stressed because your questions were not asked and answered. Always ask about Hypoglycemia symptoms.

Visit Communication with Your Doctor

Remember: Discuss with your provider any planned changes in your diet, exercise or travel circumstances. Don’t forget to discuss your weight and daily routine with your doctor.

Your treatment plan may be adjusted ahead of time to prevent hypoglycemia and unnecessary stress on your brain and nervous system.

Reactive Hypoglycemia: Does It Affect Memory?

Also see Hypoglycemia in Children

What about Hypoglycemia Treatment

For more information about Hypoglycemia, consider these sources:

The Reactive Hypoglycemia Sourcebook by Stephanie Kenrose.

The Reactive Hypoglycemia Cookbook by Stephanie Kenrose.

Hypoglycemia For Dummies by James Chow M.D.

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