Low Blood Sugar Levels
06/04/2010 |
Question:
I recently had a 4 hour gluclose test. My levels came back dropping to 37 and then 25. What can happen to me with such low levels?
Answer:
Normal glucose (blood sugar) levels are between 90 and 110, fasting, and up to about 145-150 after eating. When a person’s blood sugar is low (below 70), often he/she will develop symptoms such as jitteriness, weakness, fatigue. If it gets really low (below 40-50), sometimes he/she will lose consciousness.
Some people are able to tolerate a low blood sugar; others don’t, especially individuals who are older. Sometimes if a person has underlying coronary artery disease (hardening of the arteries), a low blood sugar could precipitate a heart attack.
The purpose of your 4 hour test was to see if your blood sugar gets low after eating. Obviously, at least for this test, it does. I am sure that your doctor will explain to you that it is important for you to eat frequent small meals (or snacks) while you are awake. Having such a low blood sugar over time is not healthy.
For more information:
Go to the Diabetes health topic.