Can low blood sugar lead to slurring of speech? Experts answer

Dr Goyal highlighted that slurred speech due to low blood sugar can be prevented by preventing hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar attacks.

Human brain depends on a regular supply of glucose or sugar for energy (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, occurs when the level of glucose in the blood drops below normal levels. This can lead to symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, confusion, and even loss of consciousness. However, one of the most common symptoms associated with low blood sugar is slurring of speech. “Extreme hypoglycaemia can cause slurred speech and other neurological symptoms, like confusion, blurred vision, tingling, or numbness. One can even go into a coma,” Dr Pawan Kumar Goyal, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, said.

This is because the human brain depends on a regular supply of glucose or sugar for energy. “When blood glucose levels drop to a critical level, then the brain is unable to function properly, leading to a range of neurological symptoms like confusion, numbness, blurred vision, and slurred speech. If the low blood glucose levels persist and hypoglycaemia remains untreated, the patient may go into a coma. It can be life-threatening,” Dr Goyal explained.

Agreeing, Dr Jimmy Pathak, Consultant, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Max Hospital, Vaishali said that glucose is the major metabolic fuel for the brain. “The brain cannot synthesise glucose and store more than a few minutes supply, therefore it requires a continuous supply of glucose from the circulation. Low blood glucose interferes with the normal functioning of the brain and leads to slurring of speech.”

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Keep records of blood sugar levels (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

But, what causes low blood sugar? As per experts, the causes of hypoglycaemia are multi-factorial. “They include drugs like oral anti-diabetics ( sulfonylureas) and insulin. Also, sepsis, liver disease, kidney disease, alcohol, tumours or hormonal deficiencies like cortisol can result in hypoglycemia,” Dr Pathak said.

These can cause low blood glucose values by either:

*Causing an increase in circulating levels of insulin
*Causing an increased utilisation of glucose by the body as compared to consumption or synthesis of glucose (demand>supply)
*Secreting IGF-2 (insulin-like growth factor-2)

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Dr Goyal highlighted that slurred speech due to low blood sugar can be prevented by preventing hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar attacks. He suggested all diabetics follow these tips.

*Have regular meals and snacks during the day.
*Keep records of blood sugar levels.
*Adjust medication according to blood sugar levels.
*Avoid skipping meals or fasting.
*Exercise regularly
*Limit alcohol intake
*Carry a fast-acting source of glucose like glucose tablets or candy. In case of symptoms of low blood sugar, one can immediately take glucose tablets.
*Carry medical ID indicating that they are diabetic.

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“The 15-15 rule suggests consuming 15 grams of carbohydrate when blood glucose is low and re-checking it after 15 minutes. If it’s still below 70 mg/dL, have another serving,” Dr Pathak added.

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