5 Causes of Low Blood Sugar During Ramadan Fasting That You Need to Be Aware of

Illustration of the causes of low blood sugar during Ramadan fasting (Freepik)

YOGYAKARTA - Low blood sugar during Ramadan fasting can be experienced by anyone, even by people who do not have diabetes. During fasting, the body does not receive food and drink intake for hours so that it must use the energy reserves stored in the body. In the medical world, the condition of low blood sugar is called hypoglycemia, which is when the glucose level in the blood drops to around 70 mg/dL or lower. When this happens, you may feel symptoms such as dizziness, shaking, weakness, sweating, to difficulty concentrating because the brain lacks energy. Hypoglycemia without diabetes can occur due to several factors, recognize the explanation below.

1. Long meal breaks

One of the causes of low blood sugar during Ramadan fasting is a long break between sahur and breaking the fast. During this period, the body relies on the glycogen reserves in the liver to keep glucose levels stable.

If this energy reserve begins to deplete, blood sugar levels can gradually drop. This condition is more likely to occur in people who eat too little during sahur or do not consume balanced nutritious foods.

2. Eating patterns high in simple carbohydrates

Some people tend to eat excessive sweet foods during sahur or breaking the fast. High sugar foods can quickly increase blood sugar levels, but the effects can also quickly go down after some time.

This condition is known as reactive hypoglycemia or reactive hypoglycemia. According to medical explanations reported by Health, Sunday, March 8, reactive hypoglycemia occurs when the body produces too much insulin after eating so that glucose levels drop faster than normal.

Illustration of the causes of low blood sugar during Ramadan fasting (Freepik)3. Effects of certain drugs

Some types of drugs can also affect blood sugar levels even if a person does not have diabetes. Certain medications can change the way the body metabolizes glucose or increase the body's sensitivity to insulin.

In a number of cases, malaria drugs, certain antibiotics, and heart medications are known to trigger hypoglycemia. This risk can increase if a person does not eat enough or has certain health conditions.

4. Excessive insulin production

In rare cases, low blood sugar can be triggered by too much insulin production. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body's cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream. According to medical explanations quoted by the Mayo Clinic, a rare condition called insulinoma can cause the pancreas to produce insulin excessively. This benign tumor makes blood sugar levels can drop even if a person does not have diabetes.

5. Hormonal disorders or certain diseases

The balance of blood sugar in the body is also influenced by various hormones. Hormones from the adrenal, thyroid, and pituitary glands help the body regulate the production and use of glucose. If there is a disorder in these hormones, the body may have difficulty maintaining blood sugar levels stable. In addition, chronic diseases such as liver disease or kidney disease can also increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

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Understanding the causes of low blood sugar during Ramadan fasting is important so that you can maintain your health while fasting. Symptoms such as dizziness, trembling, or excessive weakness should not be ignored because they can be a sign of lack of energy. Maintaining a balanced diet during sahur and breaking the fast can help the body maintain stable blood sugar levels. If you often experience low blood sugar during Ramadan fasting even if you don't have diabetes, you should consult a medical professional to find out the cause more accurately.