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Published on: Dec 08, 2021
3 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

How To Treat Low Blood Sugar?

One should have a small snack every few hours, such as a handful of nuts or fruit. Some other tips are not to eat a high carb dinner and if you must, limit the carbs to 30 grams or so. Finally, it's also important to first take care of any dehydration issue through water consumption prior to consuming juice as this will increase your chances of getting too much sugar fast from all those sugars from the pasteurized juices.

When glucose levels fall low enough that brain function becomes impaired, one exhibits signs and symptoms such as tremors or shaking, slurred speech, unsteady gait (walking), confusion, and agitation; these can be quickly reversed by eating some foods containing sugar like raisins.

Eating more protein will give you a better chance of stabilizing your blood sugar by spiking your insulin levels. Protein has the highest "incretin effect"--it spikes both insulin levels and glucagon, signaling to produce energy stores in the liver. Insulin is the signal for your body to use energy from food, while glucagon signals your body to make energy for itself. Protein also slows down digestion, making glucose available longer after eating it which leads to lower blood sugar spikes following meals.

Include low-GI foods in your diets, such as nuts, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It's also important to get enough protein at each meal - this helps balance hormonal levels of insulin which prevents both high and low blood sugar levels.

Nuts of all types are a great energy food because they're a good source of natural fat and protein with a lower GI than any other snack or dessert. Add some almonds or walnuts into that morning cereal or yogurt for a boost. And try adding an inch-long segmented cucumber to smoothies for flavor and amazing fiber content!

Calorie-dense food is the best choice, so fill up on anything you can find that's high in fat and low in protein. Low-carb food types like cookies, candy bars, ice cream, or peanut butter are your best bets for this. Eat more than you want - just don't overdo it by eating too much sugar if your blood sugar level has dropped too quickly. Smaller meals at regular intervals are also a good idea to avoid any problems with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Glucose, in the form of candy, dark chocolate, or honey. If you break your fast with a smoothie that contains protein and carbs preferably from dairy, then eating these foods next will also help to stabilize your sugars. Alternatively, one could drink fruit juice or non-diet cola (sugar-laden) provided it does not cause distressing hypoglycemia symptoms. You can also eat fresh fruit (bananas and apples). The most effective treatment is the ingestion of glucose however food sources such as potatoes and bananas can also help regulate blood sugar levels albeit to a lesser degree than glucose.

The most straightforward answer is to consume a high glycemic index, low-fat snack - for example, vegetables or some fruit. Beyond that, glucose tablets are an option. These are simply dissolved under the tongue to quickly bring blood sugar levels back up.

It is important to eat when one feels their glucose levels are dropping. Low blood sugar levels often coincide with low energy levels, which means the sufferer may feel lethargic and tired. Eating can help combat these feelings by supplying glucose to the body to restore energy levels.

The recommendation for people at risk for diabetes type II is that they keep food that follows a 1–2-hour rule on hand at all times. This corresponds to what you would eat if you ate 6 times per day between breakfast, lunch, dinner, 2 snacks before bedtime plus an "emergency" snack after waking up in the morning or during afternoon/evening work breaks or right before bedtime.

Do not panic. This may happen if you eat too much sugar, drink iced beverages, or do not eat enough fat. The most important thing is to keep your sugar level up with something like a peanut butter milkshake or brownie. If these are unavailable, use whatever you have on hand (chocolate chips work great!) and make sure to smear it across the tongue with some fat like butter. Always remember that simple sugars are best-- swish them around in the mouth for a while until they dissolve- chewing them can be frustratingly slow and annoying!

You will feel better soon after eating, but if your blood sugar falls again stand relaxed with relaxed muscles- take deep breaths- stay calm- drink fluids. Low blood sugar is an indication that insulin levels are too high, probably because you haven't eaten in a while. Whole foods are better than processed foods when you go periods without eating, but if you have time to grab something, aim for protein. Eggs are great - they're prepared so quickly, and they'll keep the hunger at bay with their balanced nutrition of carbs, fats and proteins. If eggs aren't your thing (or if it's not breakfast time), check out some veggies like celery or bell peppers that will give you quick carbohydrates to stop the cravings in their tracks.

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Difference Between Sadness and Depression: Understanding Normal Emotions vs Mental Illness

Feeling low or unhappy is a part of being human. However, not all low moods are the same. Many people confuse sadness with depression, which can delay proper support and treatment. Understanding the difference between sadness and depression is crucial for mental health awareness, early intervention and reducing stigma.

In India, mental health conditions are often misunderstood, with emotional distress frequently dismissed as temporary sadness.

What Is Sadness?

Sadness is a normal human emotion.

It usually occurs due to:

loss or disappointment
relationship issues
failure or stress
temporary life challenges

Sadness serves a psychological purpose, allowing individuals to process emotions and adapt.

Key Characteristics of Sadness

Sadness is:

situational
temporary
emotionally painful but manageable
responsive to support and positive events

A person experiencing sadness can still function, enjoy moments and feel hopeful.

What Is Depression?

Depression is a medical condition classified as a mood disorder.

It affects:

emotions
thinking patterns
behaviour
physical health

According to WHO, depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.

Core Symptoms of Depression

Depression involves a combination of symptoms such as:

persistent low mood
loss of interest or pleasure
fatigue
sleep disturbances
appetite changes
feelings of worthlessness
difficulty concentrating

These symptoms last at least two weeks or longer.

Duration: A Key Difference

One major difference lies in duration.

Sadness:

lasts hours or days
improves with time

Depression:

lasts weeks or months
persists despite positive events

Duration helps distinguish emotional response from illness.

Impact on Daily Functioning

Sadness:

allows continuation of work and relationships
may reduce motivation temporarily

Depression:

interferes with work, studies and relationships
reduces self-care and productivity

Functional impairment is a defining feature of depression.

Emotional Experience: Sadness vs Depression

Sadness:

allows emotional range
moments of joy still occur

Depression:

creates emotional numbness
joy and interest disappear

People with depression often describe feeling empty rather than sad.

Physical Symptoms in Depression

Depression is not only emotional.

Physical symptoms include:

chronic fatigue
body aches
headaches
digestive issues

ICMR mental health studies highlight the physical burden of depression.

Thought Patterns and Self-Perception

Sadness:

thoughts remain realistic
self-worth is preserved

Depression:

negative self-talk dominates
feelings of guilt and worthlessness increase

These cognitive changes deepen emotional suffering.

Risk Factors for Depression

Factors increasing depression risk include:

chronic stress
trauma
family history
medical illnesses
hormonal changes

NFHS-5 data indicates rising mental health concerns among young adults.

Can Sadness Turn Into Depression?

Yes, prolonged or unresolved sadness can progress into depression.

This is more likely when:

stressors are ongoing
support systems are weak
coping mechanisms are limited

Early emotional support can prevent progression.

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek help if:

low mood lasts more than two weeks
daily functioning is affected
sleep and appetite are disturbed
thoughts of self-harm occur

Early care leads to better outcomes.

Treatment Differences

Sadness:

improves with rest, support and time

Depression:

requires psychotherapy
may need medication
benefits from structured care

WHO emphasises early treatment to reduce disability.

Role of Social Support

Support systems help both conditions but are essential for recovery.

Depression recovery improves with:

understanding family
supportive workplaces
accessible mental healthcare

Stigma reduction is key.

Mental Health Awareness in India

Mental health remains underdiagnosed in India.

NITI Aayog reports:

limited access to mental health services
low awareness
high stigma

Education helps bridge this gap.

Importance of Early Recognition

Recognising depression early:

prevents worsening
reduces suicide risk
improves quality of life

Delay increases suffering and complications.

Supporting Someone With Depression

Helpful actions include:

listening without judgement
encouraging professional help
avoiding minimising feelings

Compassion is more effective than advice.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between sadness and depression is essential for emotional wellbeing and mental health care. Sadness is a natural, temporary response to life events, while depression is a serious medical condition that affects thoughts, emotions and daily functioning. Recognising the signs early and seeking appropriate help can prevent long-term suffering and promote recovery. Mental health deserves the same attention and care as physical health.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Depression and Mental Health Disorders
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Mental Health Research and Burden
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Mental Health Indicators
Lancet – Depression, Disability and Public Health
NITI Aayog – National Mental Health Policy and Awareness Reports
Statista – Global and Indian Mental Health Trends

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