|
What is Hypoglycemia? Hypoglycemia, (pronounced hy-po-gly-ce-mi-a), is a condition of having low blood sugar. It occurs when your blood sugar level drops too low to provide enough energy for your body's activities. Why does the Blood Sugar level drop? When you eat food, your blood sugar level increases. In normal circumstances, if your blood glucose level increases, the pancreas will stabilize your blood level by secreting insulin into your bloodstream. In people with hypoglycemia, the pancreas secretes too much insulin and too much glucose is taken out of the bloodstream. The extra glucose in your liver and muscles in a form called glycogen. Your body will use the stored glucose whenever it is needed for energy between meals. Extra glucose can also be converted to fat and stored in fat cells. What is Glucose? Glucose is a type of sugar that is an important fuel for your body. Carbohydrates are the main dietary sources of glucose. Rice, potatoes, bread, tortillas, cereal, milk, fruit, and sweets are all carbohydrate-rich foods. Symptoms of Hypoglycemia The most common symptoms of hypoglycemia are:
Causes of Hypoglycemia
Diabetes and Hypoglycemia Diabetes can be a factor in causing hypoglycemia. In non diabetics, when your blood sugar level decreases, the pancreas will break down glycogen to produce glucose. In diabetics, the glucagon may not be broken down thus, making it harder for your glucose levels to return to the normal range. How common is Hypoglycemia? Hypoglycemia is uncommon in adults or children older than 10 years. However, it can result in adults or children older than 10 years if the person has diabetes. Can Hypoglycemia be prevented? If you have diabetes, you can help prevent hypoglycemia by asking your doctor if your medication will cause hypoglycemia and take your medications and insulin as directed by your doctor. If you do not have diabetes, you can help prevent hypoglycemia by:
Treatment options for Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia can be controlled with medication, exercise, and changes in diet. Your doctor will advise you on how to control it. Complications of Hypoglycemia In severe cases of hypoglycemia, a person may pass out.
|
| ||||||
 |
Hot Topics: Domestic Violence: A pre-existing condition? Serena: The wanna be vegetarian Personal Story: How I recovered from my Eating Disorder Mama wants to help: Food Bank programs and shelter assistance Lucy Goes Green: Talk dirty to me What no one will tell you about tummy tuck surgery Mama's favorite item of the week: Trees for the Future
Win a Gift Bag filled with Goodies from Stonyfield
| ||||||
|
Information obtained from MamasHealth.com™ should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner, nor should it be inferred as such. Always check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about a specific condition.
Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms
of Use. ©2000 - 2009 MamasHealth, Inc.™. All rights reserved | ||||||
|
| ||||||
