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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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Sleep Debt and Its Impact on the Body: Hidden Risks of Chronic Sleep Loss

Sleep is not a luxury; it is a biological necessity. Yet in today’s fast-paced world, many people consistently sacrifice sleep due to work demands, screen time and stress. Over time, insufficient sleep accumulates into what is known as sleep debt. Understanding sleep debt and its impact on the body is essential because chronic sleep loss silently affects nearly every organ system.

According to the World Health Organization and global sleep research, chronic sleep deprivation is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders and mental health conditions.

What Is Sleep Debt?

Sleep debt refers to the cumulative effect of not getting enough sleep.

For example:

if you need 8 hours but sleep 6 hours daily
you accumulate 2 hours of sleep debt per night

Over a week, that equals 14 hours of lost sleep.

This deficit places strain on the body.

Why Sleep Is Critical for Health

Sleep supports:

brain function
immune response
hormonal regulation
tissue repair
memory consolidation

Without adequate sleep, these processes become impaired.

Immediate Effects of Sleep Debt

Short-term consequences include:

daytime fatigue
poor concentration
mood swings
irritability
reduced reaction time

Even one night of poor sleep affects cognitive performance.

Sleep Debt and Hormonal Imbalance

Sleep regulates several key hormones.

Chronic sleep loss disrupts:

cortisol
insulin
leptin and ghrelin (hunger hormones)

This imbalance affects appetite, stress and metabolism.

Impact on Metabolic Health

Sleep debt increases:

insulin resistance
blood sugar fluctuations
abdominal fat accumulation

ICMR and NFHS-5 data show rising metabolic disorders in India, partly linked to lifestyle patterns including poor sleep.

Increased Risk of Obesity

When sleep is insufficient:

appetite hormones increase
cravings for high-calorie foods rise
impulse control weakens

Sleep deprivation promotes weight gain.

Sleep Debt and Immunity

The immune system relies heavily on sleep.

Chronic sleep loss:

reduces infection-fighting cells
increases inflammation
slows recovery from illness

Lancet research confirms that sleep deprivation weakens immune response.

Cardiovascular Consequences

Sleep debt increases risk of:

hypertension
heart disease
stroke

Poor sleep affects blood pressure regulation and vascular health.

Mental Health Impact

Sleep and mental health are deeply connected.

Sleep debt contributes to:

anxiety
depression
emotional instability

Chronic insomnia is both a cause and consequence of mental health disorders.

Cognitive Decline and Brain Health

Lack of sleep impairs:

memory
attention
decision-making

Over time, chronic sleep deprivation may increase risk of neurodegenerative disorders.

Sleep Debt and Inflammation

Chronic sleep loss elevates inflammatory markers.

Persistent inflammation contributes to:

metabolic syndrome
cardiovascular disease
autoimmune conditions

Preventing sleep debt reduces systemic inflammation.

Can Sleep Debt Be Recovered?

Short-term sleep debt can be partially recovered through:

consistent longer sleep
improved sleep hygiene

However, chronic sleep deprivation requires long-term behavioural changes.

Weekend “catch-up sleep” offers temporary relief but does not fully reverse long-standing sleep debt.

Warning Signs of Sleep Debt

Common indicators include:

reliance on caffeine
difficulty waking up
daytime drowsiness
poor focus
frequent illness

Persistent symptoms require lifestyle correction.

Practical Strategies to Reduce Sleep Debt

Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily.

Limit Screen Exposure Before Bed

Blue light suppresses melatonin production.

Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment

Dark, quiet and cool environments improve sleep quality.

Manage Stress

Relaxation techniques reduce cortisol levels and support sleep.

Avoid Heavy Meals and Caffeine at Night

These disrupt sleep cycles.

Role of Preventive Health Checkups

Screening helps detect:

hypertension
metabolic imbalance
stress-related conditions

Sleep quality assessment should be part of preventive care.

Long-Term Benefits of Adequate Sleep

Restorative sleep supports:

stable mood
strong immunity
healthy weight
improved productivity
reduced disease risk

Sleep is foundational to wellness.

Conclusion

Understanding sleep debt and its impact on the body highlights the critical role sleep plays in maintaining physical and mental health. Chronic sleep loss disrupts hormones, weakens immunity, increases metabolic risk and affects heart health. While occasional sleep loss may be manageable, consistent deprivation carries serious long-term consequences. Prioritising adequate, high-quality sleep is one of the most powerful steps toward protecting overall health and preventing chronic disease.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Sleep and Non-Communicable Diseases
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle Disorders and Sleep Patterns
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Adult Health Indicators
Lancet – Sleep Deprivation and Chronic Disease Research
NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Lifestyle Risk Factors

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