It is important to be aware that repeated episodes of stress can cause serious changes in blood sugar levels, making it harder for diabetics to manage their condition and increasing the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Thereof, can anxiety mimic low blood sugar?
Low Blood Sugar Mimics Anxiety
The mutual symptoms of low blood sugar and anxiety are not coincidental. There is a shared physiological base of the two conditions. While this may help raise and normalize blood sugar levels, higher cortisol levels are also linked to anxiety.
Secondly, can reactive hypoglycemia go away?
Reactive hypoglycemia usually doesn’t require medical treatment. However, any underlying medical condition will need to be treated. Dietary changes often help lessen your symptoms.
Does anxiety trigger hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia is associated with an acute increase in epinephrine [13] which contributes to neuropsychiatric symptoms including anxiety [14] and symptoms associated with anxiety such as shakiness, sweating, and heart palpitations.
How do you deal with reactive hypoglycemia?
Treatment for Reactive Hypoglycemia
Eat 15 grams of carbohydrates, then check your blood sugar after 15 minutes. If it’s still below 70 mg/dL, have another serving. Repeat until your blood sugar is at least 70 mg/dL. Talk to your doctor to see if you need a new treatment plan.
How long does reactive hypoglycemia last?
Reactive hypoglycemia is a rare form of the condition, which doctors classify as nondiabetic hypoglycemia. It occurs when blood sugar levels are below 70 milligrams/deciliter. This often occurs approximately 2–4 hours after a meal. Symptoms subside quickly after eating or drinking carbohydrates.
What conditions can mimic hypoglycemia?
- Amenorrhea.
- Atherosclerosis.
- Bone Cancer.
- Brain Cancer.
- Cataracts.
- Diabetes Mellitus.
- Food Poisoning.
- Glaucoma.
What is cortisol stress?
Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, increases sugars (glucose) in the bloodstream, enhances your brain’s use of glucose and increases the availability of substances that repair tissues. Cortisol also curbs functions that would be nonessential or harmful in a fight-or-flight situation.
Why does stress cause hypoglycemia?
It pumps out epinephrine (adrenaline), a “fight or flight” hormone that, among other things, tells your liver to make more glucose (blood sugar). Adrenaline also makes your heart race and your palms sweat. And it can make you feel cranky and anxious. These are warning signs that your blood sugar is too low.