Fifth grader Sophia Daugherty died just last Wednesday from complications brought about by her Type 1 diabetes. The death came just days after her blood sugar dropped dramatically low during a sleepover at a friend’s house.
What are the dangers of low blood sugar?
Blood Sugar Drop At Sleepover
Sophia Daugherty was at a friend’s house during a sleepover when she was found unresponsive on Sunday. Evidently, her blood sugar had dropped dramatically low and she was sent to the hospital with her brain already swelling. After days in the hospital, Sophia succumbed to the illness and died just last Wednesday. Sophia’s organs were donated to other children in need.
Despite her Type 1 diabetes, Sophia was described as a popular girl who was sweet and active, as she was a Girl Scout, a cheerleader, and a softball player. Everyone knew her because there were only 80 children in her grade, and as a result classmates, teachers, and even school administrators are mourning her loss.
A GoFundMe page is set up for Sophia’s family.
Low Blood Sugar
People without diabetes can properly produce insulin so there is enough glucose to maintain blood sugar levels, but those with diabetes cannot, so they need to take insulin so as to help the body to use glucose for energy, otherwise the body might not perform its proper functions.
Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia is a potentially dangerous condition that happens to people with diabetes, often when they skip meals, take too much medication, eat less than normal, or exercise more than the usual. Blood sugar levels are considered low when it drops to below 70 mg/dL, and those levels can already cause a lot of problems.
Dangers Of Low Blood Sugar
Some symptoms of low blood sugar may include dizziness, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, sudden mood changes, pale skin, hunger, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, sweating, trouble concentrating, skin tingling, and loss of consciousness, seizure, or comatose. More often than not, people with low blood sugar are unaware that their blood sugar levels are dropping, and without immediate treatment may experience loss of consciousness.
While mildly low blood sugar levels are common among people with diabetes, dramatically low blood sugar levels may be life-threatening. If untreated long enough, a diabetic person may have seizures and nervous system damage, which is why immediate recognition and treatment is critical.
Regularly checking blood sugar as well as exercising and snacking wisely are some good methods of blood sugar management.