This is because your body knows how to manage blood sugar effectively, even when you haven’t eaten. Reactive hypoglycemia is when you have low blood sugar within 2-4 hours after eating. This might trigger your body to make too much insulin, causing a rapid fall in blood sugar.
Treatment varies, but may include medication adjustments, dietary changes, and prescription medications. An underlying illness may contribute to low blood sugar levels. Your liver is central to maintaining balanced glucose levels, and any disruption of liver function can cause hypoglycemia. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas can no longer produce insulin.
If you use insulin to control your blood sugar, you should check blood sugar levels four or more times per day. Your healthcare team will help you decide how often you should test. If you take the medications acarbose (Precose) or miglitol (Glyset), your blood sugar levels won’t respond quickly enough to carbohydrate-rich snacks.
Studying for long periods of time can be mentally taxing, but did you know it can also have physical effects on your body? One potential side effect of prolonged studying is experiencing low blood sugar levels. When you are focused on your work and concentrating intensely for hours on end, your body may not be getting the necessary fuel it needs to function properly.
How does studying lead to low blood sugar?
This is a potentially dangerous condition called hypoglycemia unawareness. It happens when you experience low blood sugar so often that it changes your body’s response to it. Sweating is usually one of the first signs of hypoglycemia, and it also is related to a spike in adrenaline, which increases as glucose levels drop, according to research. Up to 84 percent of people with diabetes experience sweating when they’re hypoglycemic, according to the research.
Carbohydrate counting, or carb counting, means planning and keeping track of the amount of carbs you eat and drink in each meal or snack. However, if you take insulin, counting carbs can help you know how much insulin to take. Therefore, people with type 2 diabetes who use insulin should ensure they have an emergency glucagon kit and that people closest to them know how to use it. If someone with diabetes has severe hypoglycemia, another person should not hesitate to call 911, especially if they do not know how to use an emergency glucagon kit. Additionally, people with diabetes should let their family and friends know how to administer emergency glucagon. If a person has symptoms of hypoglycemia, they should check their blood glucose.
But severely low blood glucose can cause serious complications, including passing out, coma, or death. Knowing how to identify low blood sugar is important because it can be dangerous if left untreated. Read more about what causes low blood sugar and common symptoms. People with Type 2 diabetes who take meglitinide or sulfonylurea oral diabetes medications are also at an increased risk for low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia is common in people with diabetes, especially people who take insulin to manage the condition.
When you are studying for extended periods of time, you may forget to eat regular meals or snacks, leading to a drop in blood sugar levels. Additionally, stress and anxiety from exams or deadlines can trigger the release of hormones that can further decrease blood sugar levels. This can leave you feeling lightheaded, shaky, and fatigued.
Symptoms of low blood sugar
It’s important to recognize the signs of low blood sugar so you can address it promptly. Common symptoms include dizziness, sweating, confusion, and irritability. If left untreated, low blood sugar can lead to more serious complications such as seizures or unconsciousness.
One way to prevent low blood sugar while studying is to maintain a balanced diet and eat regular meals and snacks throughout the day. Make sure to include complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats in your meals to keep your blood sugar levels stable. It’s also important to stay hydrated and take breaks to rest and recharge your mind and body.
If you suspect you are experiencing low blood sugar while studying, it’s important to take a break and eat something high in carbohydrates like fruit, crackers, or juice. If your symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention immediately. Remember, taking care of your physical health is just as important as taking care of your mental health while studying.
