Dangers Of Low Blood Sugar At Night, Recognize The Symptoms And Prevention

Illustration of women who experience low blood sugar (Photo: Freepik/faststockklv)

JAKARTA - Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia is a condition often associated with diabetics, especially those who use insulin or blood sugar depletion medication. One form of hypoglycemia that often escapes attention is nocturnal hypoglycemia, namely decreased blood sugar levels that occur during sleep. This condition can be dangerous if it is not immediately realized and treated.

Because it occurs when a person is asleep, nokturnal hypoglycemia is often not realized. Reporting from the Johns Hopkins Medicine page, there are several signs and symptoms that can be a warning signal, including:

- Wake up with feelings of anxiety or panic

- Nightmares or sweating while sleeping

- Heart palpitations

- Body shaking or chills

- Feeling very tired or confused when you wake up

- Headaches in the morning

If you or your closest people experience these symptoms repeatedly, you should immediately consult with medical personnel.

First Aid Steps When Nokturnal Hipoglikemia

If someone wakes up and can still sit without help, immediately provide a source of fast sugar, such as:

- Permen keras

- Jus fruit

- Pasta or glucose tablets available on the apothet

After conditions are more stable and the person is fully aware, continue with a heavy meal to maintain the stability of blood sugar levels. Don't forget to check blood sugar every few hours after with an independent test kit.

How To Prevent Nokturnal Hipoglicemia

Prevention is better than treatment. Here are some steps that can be taken to prevent hypoglycemia at night:

1. Set the Precise Drug Schedule and Dose

Consult with doctors to adjust insulin doses or antidiabetic drugs, especially if they often experience low blood sugar at night.

2. Eat Snacks Before Sleep

Consuming healthy snacks before bed, especially those containing complex carbohydrates and protein, can help maintain blood sugar stability overnight.

3. Use Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)

This tool can monitor blood sugar in real-time and give an alarm if sugar levels are too low, even while sleeping.

4. Install an Alarm to Check Blood Sugar

For those who often experience hypoglycemia, setting an alarm for blood sugar checks in the middle of the night can be an effective preventive measure.

5. Monitor Eating Patterns and Daily Activities

Excessive physical activity or skipping meals can increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Make sure your diet and exercise are carried out in a balanced manner.

After experiencing nokturnal hypoglycemia, it is important to immediately consult a doctor. Together with a doctor, you can formulate the right strategy to avoid similar incidents in the future.