Hypoglycemia.

Hypoglycemia is condition wherein the blood sugar falls below 70mg/dcl, that is, way below the normal limits. This is very often seen in diabetics who have developed  instability in their diabetic condition and the blood sugar levels swing wildly, that from being above normal to being below normal. In short, the hypoglycemic patient has low blood sugar.

Basic Cause of  Hypoglycemia.

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Our other post on Diabetes.

1)Basic Info and symptoms. 2) Causes. 3) Complications. 4) Diabetic neuropathy. 5)Treatment and Management. 6) Natural remedies. 7) Prevent diabetes.  Diabetes and Hypoglycemia. 9) Diabetes and Cholesterol.

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Glucose obtained from our food intake iscarried in the blood to the body cells to be utilized by them. Any extra blood glucose is then stored in the liver and muscles in the form of  glycogen  and further more of it is stored in the body in the form of fats.

When in between meals, energy is required by the body, glucagon, a hormone produced by the pancreas stimulates the liver to break down the glycogen  and release the required energy for body use. Fats, if required, also provide energy. Glucose levels are thus maintained.

The pancreas thus perform both the functions of   lowering increased blood glucose levels by secreting insulin into the blood  and  increasing lowered blood glucose levels by secreting glucagon into the blood. The pancreas plays a very important role in maintaining blood glucose levels.

In unstable diabetes, the stimulationof glucagon is impaired, causing the blood glucose levelsto fall.

However, there is a back up mechanism where hormones like adrenaline also raise the blood glucose levels, but with the diabetic treatment being taken of insulin or other pills that raise insulin blood levels, the glucose levels do not rise and start falling below the normal levels. These low blood glucose levels result in Hypoglycemia.

The onset of hypoglycemia can be sudden and may manifest in various ways as explained below, depending on its severity.

Causes of Hypoglycemia:

a]  Due to certain drugs including insulin and other diabetic treatment drugs.

b]  Increased physical activity

c]  Long periods of fasting or untimely food habits

d] Consumption of alcohol.

e] Liver failure.

f] Renal failure.

g] Adrenal insufficiency.

h] Cancer.

i] Certain tumors like insulinoma which cause excessive secretion and production of insulin.

The Symptoms and Signs of Hypoglycemia:

Low Blood Sugar hypoglycemic symptoms are mentioned below.

a] Excessive sweating

b]  Shivering and a feeling of cold

c] Headache

d] Confusion,  irritability and nervousness

e] Weakness

f] Slurred speech due to less sugar to the brain.

g] In extreme cases, the patient may go into  hypoglycemic coma and may even die, if not attended to on time.

Treatment  of Hypoglycemia:

1) Prompt Treatment for Hypoglycemia.

Prompt treatment is to be given when the patient is having the hypoglycemic attack and is conscious.  This treatment consists of giving 3 to 4 glucose pills or glucose gel or glucose mixed in water or candy can be given. Two teaspoons of sugar or honey can also be given. The idea is to administer sugar in any form which is immediately available. If the patient is unconscious, he has be administered intravenous glucose as quickly as possible.

“ A diabetic patient, who is prone to hypoglycemic attacks, must always carry an identity card with him, mentioning this condition. He must always have on his possession, sugar packets or glucose gel, which he can take , should any of the symptoms show signs of appearing.”

2)  Long term Treatment for Hypoglycemia:

If a  diabetic patient who is under treatment, develops hypoglycemia, he  must regularly follow up with his health provider. He or she may require a change either in his medication or in dosage to keep the blood sugar levels stable and within normal limits.

3) Diet and Foods for Hypoglycemia:

Hypoglycemic diet should adhere to the following:

• Have several small meals - say 4 to 5 during the day instead of 2 large meals.
• Complex carbohydrates, because they are slower to be absorbed and thereby, fluctuation of blood sugar is avoided. Complex carbohydrates are found in whole grains, brown rice, cereals, vegetables, pasta, and legumes.
• High fiber foods. Due to presence of fiber in your diet, carbohydrate is absorbed at a slower rate, thereby preventing blood sugar fluctuation. High fiber foods are whole grains such as cereals, brown rice, wheat and bread — Vegetables like green leafy vegetables, cabbage, brussels, sprout, carrots, potatoes and beetroot –Fruits like apples, bananas and citrus fruits like strawberries — peas and dried beans.
• Proteins can be obtained from fish, Chicken and Turkey without the skin,low fat yogurt and raw cheese.

Image of Hypoglycemic Diet  Pyramid.

4) Alcohol and Hypoglycemia:

Alcohol consumption causes blood sugar to fall and hence alcohol should be avoided

5) Hypoglycemia and Exercise.

• Avoid heavy exercises.  Stick to light exercises.
• Always check your blood sugar regularly,before and after starting your exercises, initially. Do not exercise if your blood sugar levels are not within normal limits.
• Always warm up before starting your exercise.
• A small intake of rapidly absorbing carbohydrates is advised before starting exercises, especially if you are highly hypoglycemic.

6) Maintain an optimum weight.

Foods to Avoid in Hypoglycemia.

Eating too much of the following foods should be avoided.

• Caffeine
• Grapes.
• Prunes.
• Starchy foods.

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