Understanding Low Sugar Symptoms in Diabetics Taking Metformin
‘I am diabetic. I walk 10k steps daily. I take Metformin 500 after dinner. But without any medicine, I feel low sugar before lunch and in the evening. What does it indicate?’
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
A diabetic individual taking Metformin and walking 10,000 steps daily may experience low sugar symptoms due to meal timing and dietary choices. Expert Dr. Vijay Negalur explains that long gaps between meals and insufficient energy intake can lead to these symptoms, which may not always indicate true hypoglycemia.
- 01Low sugar symptoms may arise from long gaps between meals and high physical activity.
- 02Metformin does not typically cause hypoglycemia on its own.
- 03Regular walking can improve insulin sensitivity but may lead to lower blood sugar if energy intake is inadequate.
- 04Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
- 05Tracking blood sugar can clarify whether symptoms are due to true low sugar or rapid declines.
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Individuals with diabetes who take Metformin may experience symptoms resembling low blood sugar, particularly if they maintain long gaps between meals or engage in high levels of physical activity, such as walking 10,000 steps daily. Dr. Vijay Negalur, Head of Diabetology at KIMS Hospitals in Thane, explains that while Metformin enhances insulin sensitivity and reduces liver glucose production, it does not directly cause hypoglycemia. Instead, symptoms like dizziness or weakness may stem from a rapid decline in blood sugar levels due to inadequate energy intake from meals. To mitigate these symptoms, Dr. Negalur recommends consuming smaller, more frequent meals that include protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Additionally, snacks such as nuts or fruit with peanut butter can help maintain stable sugar levels. Regularly monitoring blood sugar during these episodes can aid in determining the underlying cause of symptoms, ensuring effective management of diabetes.
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Understanding how meal timing and dietary choices affect blood sugar can help diabetics manage their symptoms more effectively.
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