Low blood sugar can indeed lead to nausea symptoms.
Living with diabetes can sometimes bring about additional health challenges, and one such issue is nausea. This article aims to shed light on the causes of nausea related to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and diabetes, as well as strategies for prevention.
When blood sugar drops too low, the body responds by releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol to elevate glucose levels. These hormones can trigger symptoms such as nausea, along with shaking, dizziness, sweating, confusion, and irritability [1].
Moreover, hypoglycemia can have direct effects on the gastrointestinal system, causing nausea, bloating, and abdominal cramps in some people [1]. Additionally, low glucose availability to the brain can contribute to nausea and vomiting [2].
A diabetes complication that may contribute to nausea is gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach empties more slowly due to nerve damage from high blood sugar. This leads to nausea, bloating, a feeling of fullness after small meals, and difficulties in managing blood glucose levels, which can result in fluctuating blood sugar and related nausea [1].
Other factors that can exacerbate hypoglycemia and lead to nausea include skipping meals, especially breakfast after overnight fasting, the side effects of diabetes medications (such as insulin), and alcohol consumption [3][4].
In the event of hypoglycemia, it's crucial to increase the blood sugar level to a healthy range. Some methods to help relieve nausea may include getting fresh air, consuming foods or drinks such as ginger or peppermint, maintaining hydration, sitting upright, taking antiemetic medication, and avoiding repetition of earlier facts [5].
It's important to note that DKA (Diabetic ketoacidosis) is a potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes. This occurs when the body begins to break down fats for energy instead of sugars [6]. Managing blood sugar levels effectively can help prevent hypoglycemia and DKA. This involves monitoring blood sugar levels, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, stopping smoking, regular exercise, taking medication as prescribed, and having an emergency dose of glucagon [7].
For those without a diabetes diagnosis who experience hypoglycemia, they will typically need to consume glucose [8].
References:
[1] American Diabetes Association. (2021). Hypoglycemia and Prevention and Treatment. https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/hypoglycemia
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Hypoglycemia. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypoglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354869
[3] American Diabetes Association. (2021). Hypoglycemia Unawareness. https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/hypoglycemia-unawareness
[4] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Diabetes and Gastrointestinal Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/diseases-complications/gastrointestinal-diseases
[5] American Diabetes Association. (2021). Hypoglycemia: Recognizing and Treating. https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/hypoglycemia-recognizing-treating
[6] American Diabetes Association. (2021). Diabetic Ketoacidosis. https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/diabetic-ketoacidosis
[7] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Diabetic Ketoacidosis. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/diseases-complications/diabetic-ketoacidosis
[8] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Hypoglycemia. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypoglycemia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354869
- A person with diabetes might experience nausea as a result of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can occur when the body releases stress hormones in response to low glucose levels.
- One cause of nausea in diabetes is gastroparesis, a complication characterized by slow stomach emptying due to nerve damage from high blood sugar.
- Other factors that can lead to hypoglycemia and subsequent nausea among people with diabetes include skipping meals, particularly breakfast, medication side effects, and alcohol consumption.
- For those experiencing hypoglycemia without a diabetes diagnosis, consuming glucose is typically necessary to alleviate symptoms.
- Managing diabetes through effective treatment strategies, such as monitoring blood sugar levels, regular exercise, and medication management, can help prevent hypoglycemia and related complications like DKA (Diabetic ketoacidosis).
- Beyond physical health, living with diabetes can also impact mental health, and managing both physical health and mental wellbeing should be part of a comprehensive health-and-wellness and therapies-and-treatments plan.
