Blood Sugar Problem Often Goes Overlooked
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted December 5, 2023
“Everyone talks about high blood sugar. What are tricks for low blood sugar?”
– Tom
Hi Tom,
A common cause of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is taking too much insulin or another glucose-lowering drug.
These drugs reduce blood sugar, but they can cause it to drop TOO low depending on…
- when you eat,
- how many carbs you eat,
- and how active you are.
I typically advise my own patients who take insulin or pills like sulfonylureas, meglitinides, or SGLT2 inhibitors to keep a close eye on their blood sugar levels.
And I also explain it’s vital to work closely with a doctor to change the dosage and timing of their meds to try to avoid hypoglycemia.
If you’re on diabetes medicine and you skip meals or eat too little, you’re more likely to get low blood sugar because the treatment keeps working even if you don’t eat enough carbs.
Drugs aren’t the only thing that can cause low blood sugar. Certain medical conditions that affect the kidneys, liver, pituitary gland, or pancreas can also impair your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar.
But if a patient’s meds are under control and they’re not having other health issues that are driving their blood sugar too low, I usually advise them to try three things:
- To keep blood sugar normal, eat small snacks throughout the day and don’t skip meals.
- Try to keep exercise levels consistent. And consider more than just formal workouts. Things like mowing the lawn, walking to do errands, or playing golf ALSO burn carbs and reduce blood sugar. Many people drop into low blood sugar when they take on a large task they’re not used to.
- Avoid alcohol. It interferes with the liver’s ability to release sugar into the bloodstream.
If you continue to experience low blood sugar episodes, be sure to talk with your doctor.
P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? CLICK HERE to submit your question and get featured in the weekly mailbag!
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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