Learn what side effects to expect from common diabetes medications like metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, and insulin. Understand risks, how to manage them, and how to choose the right treatment for your body.
When your blood sugar drops too low, you’re experiencing hypoglycemia, a condition where glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dL, triggering symptoms like shaking, sweating, confusion, or even fainting. Also known as low blood sugar, it’s not just a diabetic issue—it can happen to anyone, especially if you skip meals, take too much insulin, or overdo exercise. This isn’t just a quick fix with candy—it’s a signal your body needs better balance.
Insulin, a hormone that moves glucose from your blood into your cells, is often the main player in hypoglycemia. Too much insulin, whether from medication or your own body’s overproduction, pulls sugar out of your bloodstream faster than it can be replaced. That’s why people on insulin or certain diabetes pills like sulfonylureas are at higher risk. But it’s not just about insulin—blood sugar levels, the amount of glucose circulating in your bloodstream—are also affected by what you eat, how much you move, and even stress or alcohol. Skipping meals, drinking on an empty stomach, or intense workouts without proper fuel can all trigger it, even in people without diabetes.
Recognizing the signs early matters. Dizziness, hunger, heart palpitations, and irritability aren’t just "off days"—they’re your body screaming for glucose. Left untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to seizures or loss of consciousness. The good news? It’s usually easy to fix with 15 grams of fast-acting carbs—like juice, glucose tablets, or candy—followed by a snack with protein and complex carbs. But if it keeps happening, you need to dig deeper. Are you taking the right dose? Eating at the right times? Monitoring correctly? The posts below cover real cases: how insulin regimens can trigger low sugar, how to adjust meds for seniors with kidney issues, why some diabetes drugs carry hidden risks like ketoacidosis, and how to talk to your doctor about balancing treatment without crashing your blood sugar. You’ll find practical advice on avoiding the traps, spotting the warning signs, and staying safe—whether you’re managing diabetes yourself or helping someone who does.
Learn what side effects to expect from common diabetes medications like metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, and insulin. Understand risks, how to manage them, and how to choose the right treatment for your body.
Health and Wellness
