I want to talk about the symptoms of hypoglycemia. I’m not referring to the type of hypoglycemia that diabetics are susceptible to, but the run of the mill hypoglycemia that you or your kids might be experiencing. The kind that doctors generally don’t find on tests, but that you will recognize it when it’s happening to you. So let’s dive in.

Millions of people around the country experience hypoglycemia every day. Hypoglycemia happens when you notice that your blood sugar is dropping and you notice that something is changing in how you feel. Or other people notice that something is changing, like when a parent notices a change in their kids behavior.

Let’s look at the top 5 symptoms of hypoglycemia:

1. Irritability or mood changes.  Low blood sugar often makes people feel unusually anxious, cranky, or even aggressive. This is probably the most commonly recognized change that you’ll pick up on.

We even have a word for this now that we didn’t have when I was little, “Hangry.” “Hangry” is a real thing, although eating a candy bar is not the best way to solve this problem, in spite of what you learn on tv commercials.

2. Hunger.  You might have a very strong craving for food, particularly for something sugary or carbohydrate rich. That can be a quick fix, but eating more protein earlier in the day would be better for helping to mellow out that wild roller coaster ride.  

Parents around the world recognize this in their kids, and carry snacks for emergencies. But it can happen to adults as well. I experienced this well into my 30s, before I discovered what was causing my hypoglycemia. And I got irritable too. I always had to have food on hand and had to eat about every 2 hours.

3. Dizziness or lightheadedness: Feeling faint or unstable is another symptom that you might experience. It’s a sign that the brain isn’t getting enough glucose. I used to get this too, but I fought it so hard that I didn’t recognize it as a symptom.

4. Confusion or difficulty concentrating: This is another symptom that can be associated with hypoglycemia, and I see it a lot with Candida overgrowth as well. I had both, so it was a double whammy. A lot of people compensate for this like I did, by just trying really hard to focus. I got away with it for a long time, and I didn’t know how much effort I was putting into that or how bad it was until I no longer had brain fog.

5. Sweating -Excessive sweating, especially when you haven’t been physically active or exposed to heat, can be a telltale sign. Some people notice it on their palms, which I did.

Those are the top 5 symptoms that I associate with hypoglycemia. There are others, but most of them tend to be seen in more severe forms of hypoglycemia associated with diabetes.

How to Prevent and Manage Hypoglycemia:

If you are prone to low blood sugar, there are steps you can take to prevent episodes:

• Eat Regular, Balanced Meals: Include proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

• Carry a Quick Source of food: ideally something somewhat healthy, like a protein bar.

But most importantly, figure out what is causing your hypioglycemia. If you have to eat every 2 hours, then it’s not a lack of food. It’s more likely a digestive issue, even a subtle one, that is causing you to not get the nutrition out of the food that you are eating.

I spoke about that last week, and that video should play next.

Please share your experience with hypoglycemia in the comments section below. I’d love to hear about it!

And if you found this video helpful, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe to my channel for more insight into your health.

Thank you for watching, and remember to take care of your body. It’s the only place that you have to live.

Related Content:

The #1 Cause of Hypoglycemia

IBS and Eating Disorders

Digestion and Fatigue

Candida Overgrowth Symptoms

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