A diabetic who went to sleep never got up the next morning. By the time the patient was hospitalised, the brain was full of fluid and the patient failed to respond to medications. Four days into coma, the patient died.
A very rare happening, but possible. For any diabetic on insulin or other drugs that lower the blood sugar level, the dangers of hypoglycaemia are always there.
Usually, the body has a wonderful recovery mechanism, said endocrinologist Harish Kumar. The liver releases the stored glycogen to tide over the low sugar levels in the blood, he said. It is only when the body is not supplemented with extra sugar that diabetics start showing symptoms.
The first organ to be affected by hypoglycaemia is brain. When the body sugar level is low, the brain sends signals in various ways.
One of the symptoms of hypoglycaemia is inability to think coherently, said Dr. Kumar. The most sensible thing that one will do in any situation, not necessarily a difficult situation, eludes a patient experiencing hypoglycaemia.
There is almost a personality change but the patient may not recollect all that he or she did during that time when the sugar levels become normal later. Table sugar, honey, fruit juice, and hard candies can be taken immediately to raise the sugar level.
SymptomsSymptoms of hypoglycaemia differ from person to person. One could be sweating profusely, nervous, shaky, have palpitations, difficulty in speaking, blurred vision, irritability, fatigue, nausea, sleepiness etc.
Once a diabetic experiences hypoglycaemic episodes, the medication needs to be checked with the doctor. It is the diabetes management that has a major role in preventing hypoglycaemia.
One is said to be hypoglycaemic if the sugar level falls below 70 mg per decilitre of blood, the normal range being 80-100 mg/dl.
Mostly people do wake up at night if there is an episode of hypoglycaemia, said Dr. Kumar. But to avoid such episodes, people who have insulin at night can take a bedtime healthy snack, such as fruits or biscuits or a glass of milk.
There are dangers of hypoglycaemia going unrecognised if the episodes are too frequent or if one has been a diabetic for long.
Nutritionists suggest that besides the regular meals, a healthy snack in between will keep the sugar level balanced. More protein and carbohydrates than simple sugar in the diet help diabetics to achieve a balanced sugar level.
(Reporting by
Shyama Rajagopal)
