Hypoglycemia, also called low blood sugar, is a condition that occurs when the body’s blood sugar level drops too low to provide the energy the body needs. Normal blood sugar levels should range between 70 and 110. Hypoglycemia refers to levels below 70 and can occur in patients managing diabetes or as a result of some medications, certain diseases, binge drinking and sometimes skipping meals. Except in the case of diabetes and binge drinking, hypoglycemia is usually not life threatening.

Under normal healthy conditions, the glucose required by the body for energy is derived from the food we eat, carried through the blood stream and absorbed by blood cells. Insulin is a hormone that is produced naturally in the body and aids in the distribution and absorption of glucose. Excess glucose is stored in the liver as glycogen. When the body’s glucose level begins to drop, the stored glycogen is broken down by the body and released into the blood. Hypoglycemia occurs when the body can not restore the glucose level.

Hypoglycemia in diabetic patients can occur for a number of reasons, but the most common cause is mismanagement. If the medication a diabetic is given to regulate blood sugar is taken in excessive doses, or if a meal is too small or skipped altogether, then a hypoglycemic condition may occur. A sudden increase in activity or prolonged exercise can also cause hypoglycemia in diabetic patients. Proper eating or adjustment of medication usually controls hypoglycemia.

In non-diabetic individuals, hypoglycemia is classified as either reactive or fasting. Reactive hypoglycemia occurs within a few hours of eating a meal. Doctors can diagnose reactive hypoglycemia with a blood test, but it is unclear what causes reactive hypoglycemia in most patients, though it may be linked to enzyme or hormone deficiencies. Most doctors advise exercise in conjunction with changes in diet and eating habits to manage reactive hypoglycemia.

Fasting hypoglycemia occurs after waking or between meals. Common causes of fasting hypoglycemia are excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, hormonal deficiencies and underlying illnesses. To diagnose fasting hypoglycemia, your doctor will perform a blood glucose test after 12 hours of fasting.

Treatment is usually dependent on the underlying cause. If hypoglycemia is the result of a drug, your doctor will likely switch or stop your medication. Your doctor will be able to determine the underlying cause of fasting hypoglycemia through blood tests and a complete medical history.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia include weakness, dizziness, sweating, lightheadedness and possibly unconsciousness. Patients managing diabetes who have experienced hypoglycemia should talk to their doctor about keeping a glucagon kit for emergencies, and they should also carry an emergency snack high in carbohydrates to help raise low blood sugar. People who have experienced hypoglycemia should eat meals at regular intervals, avoid excessive alcohol and never drink alcohol on an empty stomach.