Hypoglycemia and low blood sugar
Hypoglycemia and low blood sugar can be confused with hyperglycemia (diabetes), but they are actually distinct. Hypoglycemia is related to the body making too much insulin, and hyperglycemia is related to blood sugar levels being too high, because the body does not make enough insulin.
However, anyone with either of these disorders may be referred to a doctors specializing in the endocrine system. Endocrinologists are trained to treat hormone imbalances
What causes high & low blood sugar levels?
Insulin is made in the pancreas. Its role is to help the cells of your body absorb glucose. The causes of low blood sugar include:
- Treatment of diabetes being set to high
- Accidentally taking too much insulin
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Eating fewer calories than you body needs for energy
- Exercising too much
The causes of high blood sugar vary according to type:
- Type 1 develops because your body cannot make insulin
- Type 2 is usually associated with obesity, but can be triggered by the menopause, or severe stress.
What are the signs symptoms of hyperglycemia hypoglycemia?
The signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia as posted on the American Diabetes Assn website include:
- High levels of sugar in the urine
- High blood glucose
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
If glucose levels are below 60-dg/ml, hypoglycemia is diagnosed. The signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia vary from person to person, but can include:
- Shakiness
- Nervousness
- Sweating
- Chills and cold sweats
- Light-headedness or dizziness
Some individuals with hypoglycemia also suffer from fibromyalgia, and can experience overlapping symptoms.
Although rare, there are two types of autoimmune hypoglycemia, which can produce fasting, and reactive postprandial hypoglycemia. If blood glucose drops too low, symptoms of adrenergic hyperactivity present, and if this happens after eating a meal (postprandial), then reactive or reactive functional hypoglycemia may be diagnosed.
Hypoglycemia what to eat
Sporadic low blood sugar can be avoided if you eat healthy snacks in between meals. If the problem cannot be considered sporadic, start by eliminating foods, chemicals, and drinks that cause the most problems, such as tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, white flour, and sugar.
Replace these with whole grains, allowable fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. Eat either three meals a day, with a snack in between, or six smaller meals a day.
Study on how fast to treat hypoglycemia
A case study in the official publication of the College of Family Physicians indicates the necessity of fast treatment, and patient education. Interventions like drinking fruit juice at the beginning of an attack will raise blood sugar fast.
Research has found that glucagon eye drops are useful to treat hypoglycemia when dextrose solution, or tablets are not available to take by mouth.
If you have any questions regarding hypoglycemia, or any other health related problem, you can join the Web MD health message board. In order to register, you fill in an online form with your date of birth, log in information, and click to say you will abide by their rules. You can then post a question. I found many concerns being raised about levoxyl, and a common question is, “does anyone experience hypoglycemia on levoxyl?”
If you want to know, how to prepare for the five-hour gtt, or anything else about hypoglycemia and low blood sugar, then the message board makes good reading.