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

How To Treat Low Blood Sugar?

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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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Lack of Sleep and Its Effect on Immunity

Lack of Sleep and Its Effect on Immunity

Sleep is one of the most important functions of the human body. While we sleep, our body repairs itself, our brain processes the day’s information, and our immune system becomes stronger. Unfortunately, in today’s fast-paced world, many people compromise on sleep—either due to work, lifestyle, or stress. But what many don’t realize is how deeply lack of sleep affects immunity.

In this blog, we will explore how sleep and immunity are connected, what happens to your body when you don’t get enough rest, and what steps you can take to improve your sleep and immune health.

 

Why Sleep is Important for Your Body

Sleep is more than just rest. It’s a biological need, just like eating and drinking. During sleep, your body goes through several important processes:

  • Cell repair: Damaged cells are fixed during deep sleep.
     

  • Memory consolidation: Your brain organizes information and stores memories.
     

  • Hormone regulation: Hormones that control hunger, stress, and growth are balanced.
     

  • Immune strengthening: The body produces immune cells and antibodies that help fight infections.
     

If you don’t get enough sleep, these functions are disrupted, leading to poor health and weaker immunity.

 

How Sleep Supports the Immune System

The immune system is your body’s defense against harmful bacteria, viruses, and other invaders. It relies on a strong support system to function well—and sleep is a crucial part of that system.

Here’s how sleep boosts your immune health:

1. Production of Cytokines

Cytokines are proteins that target infection and inflammation. When you sleep, your body produces more cytokines. These proteins are essential for fighting infections, especially during stressful situations. Lack of sleep reduces cytokine production, weakening your immune response.

2. Formation of T-Cells

T-cells are a type of white blood cell that helps identify and destroy infected cells. Studies have shown that sleep improves the ability of T-cells to attach to their targets and kill them effectively. Without enough sleep, this process becomes slower and less effective.

3. Antibody Response

When you get vaccinated or recover from an infection, your body builds antibodies. Sleep helps strengthen this immune memory. People who sleep poorly often produce fewer antibodies after getting vaccinated, which means their body is less prepared to fight off the disease.

Signs That Sleep Is Affecting Your Immunity

It’s not always easy to notice the impact of poor sleep immediately. However, there are some common signs that your lack of sleep might be harming your immune system:

  • You catch colds or infections easily

  • Wounds take longer to heal

  • You feel tired and sluggish most of the time

  • You experience frequent headaches or body aches

  • You have trouble concentrating or remembering things
     

These are warning signs that your body is not getting the rest it needs to stay healthy and defend itself.

 

How Much Sleep Do You Really Need?

Sleep needs vary by age, but here’s a general guideline from health experts:

  • Adults (18–64 years): 7–9 hours per night

  • Teenagers (14–17 years): 8–10 hours

  • Children (6–13 years): 9–11 hours

  • Toddlers (1–2 years): 11–14 hours
     

It’s not just about quantity, but also quality. Light, interrupted sleep is less effective than deep, continuous rest.

 

Common Causes of Poor Sleep

Before fixing your sleep problems, it’s important to understand what’s causing them. Some common reasons include:

  • Stress or anxiety

  • Excessive screen time before bed

  • Irregular sleep schedule

  • Caffeine or alcohol consumption

  • Medical conditions like sleep apnea or insomnia
     

Identifying and addressing these issues can help improve your sleep and, in turn, your immune function.

 

Tips to Improve Sleep and Strengthen Immunity

Improving your sleep doesn’t require expensive treatments or drastic changes. Here are some simple, practical tips:

1. Stick to a Sleep Schedule

Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day—even on weekends. A consistent routine helps train your body to fall asleep faster.

2. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment

Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Use blackout curtains and avoid loud noises. A comfortable mattress and pillow also make a big difference.

3. Limit Screen Time

Avoid using phones, laptops, or watching TV for at least an hour before bed. The blue light from screens interferes with melatonin, the hormone that controls sleep.

4. Practice Relaxation Techniques

Meditation, deep breathing, or listening to calming music can help reduce stress and prepare your body for sleep.

5. Eat and Drink Smart

Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime. A light snack like a banana or warm milk can actually promote sleep.

6. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity helps you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep. Just make sure not to exercise too close to bedtime.

 

When to See a Doctor

If you’ve tried improving your sleep habits but still feel tired or fall sick often, it might be time to see a doctor. Conditions like insomnia, sleep apnea, or restless legs syndrome can affect your sleep and immunity. A medical professional can help diagnose and treat these problems effectively.

 

Conclusion

Your body needs proper sleep to function at its best. When you don’t sleep enough, your immune system becomes weak, making you more likely to fall sick. Small lifestyle changes can greatly improve both your sleep quality and your immune health.

So, the next time you think about skipping sleep to work late, watch one more episode, or scroll through your phone—remember this: Lack of sleep and its effect on immunity is a real health risk. Prioritize your rest today for a healthier tomorrow!

 

Take action now—start improving your sleep routine to protect yourself from illness and live better. Because nothing is more important than your health, and that starts with tackling the lack of sleep and its effect on immunity.

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