The Rise Of Glucose Monitoring Among Non-Diabetics [8cb3a5]
Post Time: 2025-07-29
Maintaining a stable blood sugar range is crucial for optimal health, and it's essential to understand what happens when levels get too low. Can you die from low blood sugar levels? The answer is yes, but the circumstances are rare.
The Consequences of Low Blood Sugar Levels
Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, occurs when your body doesn't have enough glucose to function properly. This can happen due to various reasons such as taking too much insulin or certain medications that lower blood sugar levels without food intake. Symptoms include shakiness, dizziness, confusion, and in severe cases, seizures or coma.
The human brain relies heavily on glucose for fuel; when it's not available, the body starts using stored glycogen reserves. However, these stores are limited and can be depleted quickly. In extreme cases of prolonged low blood sugar levels (typically below 30-40 mg/dL), patients may experience cerebral edema or swelling in the brain due to increased water uptake by neurons.
Recognizing Warning Signs: Early Intervention is Key
Early detection and intervention play a critical role in preventing severe complications associated with hypoglycemia. Be aware of warning signs such as:
- Shakiness, trembling
- Dizziness, lightheadedness
- Hunger pangs
- Sweating or cold extremities
If you experience any of these symptoms during normal daily activities and have access to glucose monitoring equipment at home (glucometer), perform a quick blood sugar check. If the reading is below 60-70 mg/dL, consume a snack that contains fast-digesting carbohydrates like fruit juice or raisins.
Can You Die from Low Blood Sugar Levels?
While extremely rare, severe cases of hypoglycemia have been documented in patients with type 1 diabetes or those who take exogenous insulin. These situations typically involve factors such as prolonged fasting without adequate calorie intake and poor monitoring techniques.
Severe complications resulting from untreated low blood sugar can include:
- Cerebral edema: This is a life-threatening complication, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Cardiac issues: Hypoglycemia-induced myocardial ischemia (reduced blood flow to the heart muscle) may cause cardiac arrhythmias or even lead to fatal outcomes.
Prevention and awareness are essential in mitigating these risks. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels using devices like continuous glucose monitors or self-administering a small amount of fast-acting carbohydrates can help identify low sugar issues promptly, thus preventing more severe complications.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over 37 million people in the U.S. have diabetes. That’s a little over 11% of the entire population. When you have diabetes your body doesn’t make enough or any insulin at all. Those with the disease must regularly monitor blood sugar. This has been traditionally done with glucometer's by pricking your finger over and over again for drops of blood. But over the last decade, technology like continuous glucose monitoring have been on the rise. Abbott and Dexcom are the two most dominant players in the space. Both companies have seen increased growth. The benefits of this technology are also being marketed by several health and wellness apps as many companies see benefits to those who don’t have diabetes. CNBC spoke with both Abbott and Dexcom about the technology inside CGMs and how they see it expanding. Chapters: 00:00 — Introduction 03:08 — Diabetes and Continuous Glucose Monitors 04:36 — Dexcom and Abbott 06:25 — Expansion 10:30 — Competition 14:00 — The future Produced, Shot and Edited by: Erin Black Animation: cinnamon and blood sugar Jason Reginato, Alex Wood Supervising Producer: Jeniece Pettitt Additional Camera: Andrew Evers, Sydney Boyo » Subscribe to blood sugar triglycerides CNBC: » Subscribe to CNBC TV: About CNBC: From 'Wall Street' to 'Main Street' to award winning original documentaries and Reality TV series, CNBC has you covered. Experience special sneak peeks of your favorite blood sugar went up after insulin shows, exclusive video and more. Connect with CNBC News Online Get the latest news: Follow CNBC on LinkedIn: Follow CNBC News on Facebook: Follow CNBC News on Twitter: Follow CNBC News on Instagram: #CNBC How Dexcom And Abbott Are Moving Beyond Diabetes