Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar in Middle Aged Women

Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar in Middle Aged Women
Page content

It is not uncommon for irreversible brain damage, heart problems, and even death to occur if blood sugar remains too low.

According to the Mayo Clinic, hypoglycemia is often associated with diabetes but can also occur under other medical circumstances. Understanding the symptoms associated with low blood sugar in middle-aged women can prevent a variety of health-related emergencies including convulsions and even a coma.

If you suspect that your blood sugar is low, it is recommended that you consume a healthy snack such as peanut butter. If you do not feel better within 15 minutes, seek medical treatment.

Nausea

Nausea is classified as the overwhelming urge to vomit. Vomiting is a way to rid the stomach of contents quickly through the mouth. Nausea can be a physical or psychological symptom. For example, a person may see something and feel sick to their stomach. That would be classified as a psychological occurrence. In the case of hypoglycemia, the nausea is a physical one.

Extreme Hunger

Hunger is the body’s way of saying it needs fuel. The body breaks food down into glucose, and uses the glucose as fuel. When the glucose is not being received because of hypoglycemia, it sends a signal the brain that it is hungry. Kids’ Health states it is not uncommon for the hunger to become so severe that it turns into a stomach ache, also known as ‘hunger pains’.

Feeling Nervous or Jittery

When one feels nervous or jittery, there is a general sense of unease. It may feel like there is too much energy available in the body.

Cold, Clammy, Wet Skin

The normal feel of skin is supposed to be warm and dry. When blood sugar levels drop too low, perspiration begins and the body temperature drops, causing the skin to become cold and wet (clammy).

Rapid Heartbeat

The heart will either race when blood sugar drops, or it will begin to palpitate. Palpitations can feel like the heart is fluttering or skipping a beat. The change in heart rate is one of the first signs of low blood sugar in middle aged women.

Trembling

Medline Plus describes trembling as uncontrollable shaking of the body. It can affect any part of the body, but is most often seen in the hands. Weakness also accompanies this symptom most of the time. It can make it to where the person has trouble picking up things.

Mood Changes

Mood changes with hypoglycemia occur quickly. A person can be content one minute and angry or sad when their blood sugar drops. The mood regulates as soon as the blood sugar level is brought back up to a normal level.

REFERENCES:

Mayo Clinic: Hypoglycemia - https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypoglycemia/ds00198

Kids’ Health: Hypoglycemia - https://kidshealth.org/parent/managing_diabetes/living/hypoglycemia.html

Medline Plus: Tremor - https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003192.htm