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| Fig. Effects of low blood sugar |
Every cell in your body
needs sugar (glucose) to function. When your blood sugar levels drop too low,
your cells become starved for energy. Initially, that can cause minor symptoms,
but if you don’t get your blood sugar levels up soon, you’re at risk of serious
complications.
Effects of Low Blood Sugar on the Body
When your blood sugar (glucose) levels
fall below the normal range, it’s called hypoglycemia, or insulin shock.
Low blood sugar can happen when you skip a
meal. It can also happen if your pancreas releases more insulin than it should
after you’ve eaten. The most common reason for low blood sugar is diabetes. In
type 1 diabetes, the pancreas can no longer produce insulin. In type 2
diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t make enough, or your body can’t use it properly.
To keep blood sugar levels from rising too much (hyperglycemia), you need the
right amount of insulin. With
insufficient insulin, your blood sugar levels
rise. Too much, and your blood sugar levels can plummet.
