By Tara Wells-SHWRT/Mayo Clinic

Blood sugar regulation

When you eat, your body breaks down foods into glucose. Glucose, the main energy source for your body, enters the cells with the help of insulin — a hormone produced by your pancreas. Insulin allows the glucose to enter the cells and provide the fuel your cells need. Extra glucose is stored in your liver and muscles in the form of glycogen.

When you haven’t eaten for several hours and your blood sugar level drops, you will stop producing insulin. Another hormone from your pancreas called glucagon signals your liver to break down the stored glycogen and release glucose into your bloodstream. This keeps your blood sugar within a standard range until you eat again.

Your body also has the ability to make glucose. This process occurs mainly in your liver, but also in your kidneys. With prolonged fasting, the body can break down fat stores and use products of fat breakdown as an alternative fuel.

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can cause a range of symptoms. Here are 12 common signs that your blood sugar might be too low:

1. Shakiness: Feeling shaky or jittery.
2. Sweating: Excessive sweating, even in cool conditions.
3. Hunger: Sudden, intense hunger.
4. Headache: Experiencing headaches.
5. Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
6. Fatigue: Unusual tiredness or weakness.
7. Irritability or Anxiety: Feeling irritable or anxious.
8. Confusion: Difficulty concentrating or confusion.
9. Pale Skin: Looking unusually pale.
10. Rapid Heartbeat: An irregular or fast heartbeat.
11. Tingling Sensations: Tingling or numbness in the lips, tongue, or cheeks.
12. Blurred Vision: Blurry or tunnel vision.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to check your blood sugar levels and take appropriate action, such as consuming a fast-acting carbohydrate like juice or glucose tablets. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

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