Hypoglycemia is the medical term for low blood sugar, or glucose. Low blood sugar often happens to people with diabetes; however, the condition is also seen in people without diabetes. Treating hypoglycemia is critical; the condition may worsen over time requiring emergency medical care. Complications may include seizures and shock. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include shakiness, dizziness, sweating and headache, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearing House.
Diabetic Hypoglycemia
Diabetics most commonly suffer from hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar. However, treating high blood sugar may also bring the body's glucose levels down to dangerously low levels. The American Diabetes Association points out that all diabetics experience hypoglycemia from time to time. A diabetic who injects insulin may inject too much of the medication, or inject the medication too soon. Exercise also relieves hyperglycemia; still, hypoglycemia does occur when activities are too strenuous and too much sugar gets burned off. Another cause of diabetic hypoglycemia results from not consuming a great amount of food causing energy levels to quickly dissipate and blood sugar to drop quickly. Diabetic hypoglycemia is treated by consuming any form of sugar. The American Diabetes Association suggests drinking about 1/2 cup of juice or soda, sucking on five to six pieces of candy or eating 1 tbsp. of honey.
Reactive Hypoglycemia
Reactive hypoglycemia, also known as postprandial hypoglycemia, occurs a few hours after eating, MayoClinic.com. An exact cause of reactive hypoglycemia hasn't been identified, yet some researchers believe a person is overly sensitive to epinephrine and exhibits signs similar to low blood sugar, reports the clinic. Still, others speculate when decreased amounts of glucagon are in the body reactive hypoglycemia occurs. Rare causes of reactive hypoglycemia include hyperinsulinemia, or excess insulin production by the pancreas, or after stomach surgery, when food quickly passes from the stomach to the small intestine. Rare enzyme deficiencies affecting nutritional absorption and insulin secretion also cause reactive hypoglycemia. Medical treatment is often not required. Symptoms are relieved by eating several small meals a day, consuming high fiber foods and participating in daily physical activity.
Fasting Hypoglycemia and Other Conditions
Fasting hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels hit below 50 mg/dL., according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. The condition occurs after an overnight fast, between meal times and after physical exercises or activities. People who take beta-blocker medications or children who take aspirin may experience fasting hypoglycemia. Another cause for fasting hypoglycemia also includes drinking alcohol. Some people sensitive to alcohol may experience low blood sugar. In addition, many alcoholics and binge drinkers show signs of hypoglycemia, reports SeekWellness.com. Consuming the unripe ackee fruit, native of Jamaica, decreases blood sugar levels, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
