What Are the Causes of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)?

You’re out for a walk or busy with work when suddenly, you feel a little lightheaded, maybe a bit shaky. It’s nothing major, but you know something feels off. This could be low blood sugar or called hypoglycemia in medical terms. But why does it happen and what should you do?

There are several reasons, and in this blog, we’ll take you through them and share simple steps to manage it. Read on!

What Could The Causes of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)?

1. Skipping Meals vs. Fasting

• Skipping Meals: Missing meals or not eating on time can cause your blood sugar to drop, especially if you’re on diabetes medication. This happens more often if you forget to eat after taking insulin or other sugar-lowering medicines.
• Fasting: Going without food for a long time, like during fasting or long breaks between meals, can lower your blood sugar considerably. And ya, this can happen even if you don’t have diabetes.

2. Alcohol Consumption

Drinking alcohol, especially on an empty stomach, can prevent the liver from releasing stored glucose, leading to terribly low blood sugar levels.

3. Excessive Physical Activity Without Proper Nutrition

Doing intense exercise without consuming enough carbohydrates-rich food items like rice, roti, bread) can cause blood sugar to fall rapidly. This is especially risky for people with diabetes who do not adjust their food intake or medication accordingly.

If you or someone in your family or loved ones often experience low blood sugar levels or have diabetes, then you can have a 1-on-1 online consultation with our in-house diabetologist Dr. Vidya Walinjkar. She will do a detailed analysis and breakdown the situation for you and guide you on what to do.

4. Certain Medications & Medical Treatments

• Some antibiotics, heart medications, and antidepressants can interfere with blood sugar regulation.
• Weight-loss (bariatric) surgery may cause reactive hypoglycemia, where sugar levels drop too quickly after eating.

5. Underlying Health Conditions

• Liver disease: The liver helps store and release glucose; if it’s impaired, blood sugar levels may drop.
• Kidney disease: Impaired kidney function can slow insulin clearance, leading to lower blood sugar.
• Hormonal imbalances: Disorders affecting the adrenal or thyroid glands can interfere with glucose regulation.
• Insulinoma (a rare pancreatic tumor): This condition causes excess insulin production, leading to unexpected blood sugar drops.

6. Overproduction or Excess Use of Insulin

• Reactive hypoglycemia: The body releases too much insulin after eating, causing a sudden drop in blood sugar.
• Diabetes medications: Insulin and certain diabetes pills can lower blood sugar too much, especially if taken without food or in excessive doses.

7. High-Risk Groups

• Older adults & those with hypoglycemia unawareness may not feel the warning signs of low blood sugar, making it more dangerous.
• Pregnant women with diabetes may have fluctuating insulin needs, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.

What Causes Fasting Hypoglycemia?

Fasting hypoglycemia happens when blood sugar drops too low after not eating for a long time, like overnight or after skipping meals.

• It can happen if your body’s glucose stores are low. People with liver problems or hormonal imbalances are more likely to experience this.
• It can also occur in those who over-exercise or have certain health conditions.

If you feel symptoms of low blood sugar after not eating, it’s important to talk to a doctor.

When to See a Doctor?

If you feel shaky, dizzy, confused, or weak, and it doesn’t get better after eating or drinking something sugary, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. Also, if you often experience low blood sugar or if it happens without a clear reason, you should get it checked.

If the symptoms get severe or you pass out, seek medical help immediately. Your doctor can help find the cause and guide you on how to treat it.

How to Treat Low Blood Sugar?

1. The Rule of 15

• Step 1: Check your blood sugar. If it’s below 70 mg/dL, eat 15 grams of fast-acting carbs (e.g., 3-4 glucose tablets, ½ cup of juice, or 1 tablespoon of sugar).
• Step 2: Wait 15 minutes and check again. If still low, repeat.
• Step 3: Once stable, eat a balanced meal with protein and carbs.

What to Do in Severe Low Blood Sugar?

If blood sugar drops below 54 mg/dL or the person cannot eat, call emergency help immediately. Even after giving glucagon, seek medical care. Don’t wait for symptoms to improve on their own.

Always consult your doctor for personalized advice.

How We At Fitterfly Can Help You?

At Fitterfly, we understand that managing blood sugar levels, especially when dealing with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), can be a challenge. Our team of Nutrition Coaches works with you to create a personalized meal plan that helps stabilize your blood sugar levels. We emphasize balanced, nutrient-dense foods that prevent blood sugar drops and keep you feeling energized throughout the day.

Additionally, if you’re experiencing frequent blood sugar fluctuations, our Fitness Coaches can guide you with simple, effective exercises tailored to your health and lifestyle. Exercise plays a key role in managing your overall health, and we help you find a routine that fits your unique needs.

Finally, our Success Coaches are here to support you in making small but impactful changes that last. Whether you’re managing your medication, keeping track of your food intake, or finding ways to reduce stress, we ensure that you have the tools and support to succeed.

Reach out to us today by calling 08069450746 and take the first step toward a healthier, more balanced lifestyle!