Hypoglycemia vs. Hunger: Recognizing the Difference & Maintaining Stable Glucose Levels

Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia or low blood glucose, is a condition in which the sugar in your blood drops too low to sustain normal functioning. The condition can lead to both short- and long-term problems, so it is important that you maintain stable glucose levels. Glucose is a source of energy that your body needs and comes primarily from carbs such as potatoes, cereal, rice, bread, milk, sweets and fruits. Since many of the symptoms of low blood sugar are similar to the ones of hunger, the two states are often confused.

Instructions

• 1

  Check how long ago you ate. If more than three hours have passed, you are experiencing hunger, not low blood sugar levels. According to the website phlaunt.com, "The first symptom [of hypoglycemia] for many people is hunger which strikes anywhere from half an hour to two hours after a meal."

• 2

  Ensure that you feel stable. If you experience dizzy spells or light-headedness, wandering thoughts or confusion, or feel emotionally unstable you are likely having low blood sugar. According to the website everydayhealth.com, "One of the neurological symptoms of hypoglycemia is mood swings and sudden emotional episodes not typical of your normal behavior, such as irrational outbursts, random or hysterical crying, uncontrollable anger and a strong desire to be left alone."

• 3

  Examine physical reactions. If you are sweating for no particular reason and the temperature did not suddenly change drastically, your glucose levels may be low. Abnormal sweating is one of the first signs of hypoglycemia. Other physical reactions are shakes and tremors and ravenous, uncontrollable hunger.

• 4

  Try to relax. If you cannot, you may have hypoglycemia, as anxiety is a telltale sign of your glucose levels having fallen.

• 5

  Do the talk-test. Ensure you have someone who can listen to you. You may not hear the difference in the way you speak yourself, but others will. You will slur if you have low blood sugar. You are not likely to slur from being hungry.