Can hypoglycemia turn into diabetes? The short answer is yes, in some cases, hypoglycemia can lead to diabetes.
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, occurs when your body doesn’t have enough glucose, or sugar, to function properly. This can happen if you don’t eat enough, or if you eat too much sugar in a short period of time. The symptoms of hypoglycemia can include shakiness, sweating, hunger, confusion, and fatigue.
When hypoglycemia occurs frequently or is left untreated, it can lead to diabetes. This is because the body constantly works to maintain a balance between the amount of sugar in the bloodstream and the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas. When hypoglycemia occurs, the pancreas produces more insulin to try to bring the blood sugar level back up. If this happens frequently, the pancreas will eventually become exhausted and unable to produce enough insulin, leading to diabetes.
The key to avoiding this situation is managing hypoglycemia. Eating small, frequent meals or snacks throughout the day can help to prevent hypoglycemia. Avoiding sugary drinks and foods is also important. If you are experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia, it is important to treat it right away. Eating a snack containing natural sugar, such as fruit, can help to bring your blood sugar level back up. If the symptoms are severe, you should seek medical attention.
By managing hypoglycemia, you can help to avoid the risk of developing diabetes. However, if you have a family history of diabetes, you should speak to your doctor to discuss your risk factors and how to best manage your health.