Hypoglycemia and low blood pressure can hardly be differentiated only by the symptoms experienced, since both situations are accompanied by similar symptoms, such as headache, dizziness and cold sweat. Furthermore, this differentiation can be even more difficult in people who have both blood pressure problems and diabetes, or who take various types of medications.
If the person has not eaten for more than 3 or 4 hours, the symptoms are probably due to the decrease in the blood sugar concentration, that is, hypoglycemia. Other symptoms that can help differentiate low blood pressure from hypoglycemia are:
- Symptoms of low blood pressure: Dizziness, weakness, feeling faint, dark vision when standing up, dry mouth and drowsiness. See what are the symptoms and possible causes of low blood pressure; Symptoms of hypoglycemia: Dizziness, racing heart, hot flashes, cold sweat, pallor, tingling of the lips and tongue, changes in mood and hunger, and may present loss of consciousness, fainting and even coma, in more severe cases. Know what can cause hypoglycemia.
How to confirm
As some of the symptoms of hypoglycemia and low blood pressure are similar, it is necessary to carry out specific analyzes to differentiate the two situations, such as:
- Blood pressure measurement: The normal blood pressure value is 120 x 80 mmHg, being indicative of a low pressure condition when it is equal to or less than 90 x 60 mmHg. If the pressure is normal and the symptoms are present, it may be hypoglycemia. Learn how to measure blood pressure; Measuring glucose: Measuring the concentration of glucose in the blood is done by means of a finger prick. Normal blood glucose values are up to 99 mg / dL, however, if that value is below 70 mg / dL it is indicative of hypoglycemia. See what glucose measuring devices are and how they work.
What to do in case of low blood pressure
In case of low blood pressure, it is important that the person sits or lies in a comfortable place and raises the legs, which causes blood circulation in the brain to increase and, consequently, to increase blood pressure. When the person starts to feel better, he can get up, but with care and in order to avoid making sudden and sudden movements. Also learn how to differentiate between high blood pressure and low blood pressure symptoms.
What to do in case of hypoglycemia
In case of hypoglycemia, the person should sit down and eat foods rich in carbohydrates that are easy to digest, such as a glass of water with sugar or a glass of natural orange juice, for example. After 10 to 15 minutes it is important to re-evaluate the blood glucose concentration, and to eat more foods rich in carbohydrates, if the glucose concentration is still below 70 mg / dL.
If there is no increase in glucose concentration, even after consuming carbohydrates, or if you pass out, you should immediately go to the hospital or call an ambulance by calling 192. Learn more what to do in case of hypoglycemia.
