The causes of non-diabetic low blood sugar levels, reactive hypoglecemia and fasting hypoglycemia result from hormone deficiencies and insulin sensitivity Diabetic low blood sugar levels occur when the body is unable to regulate insulin. Diabetes treatments for low blood sugar levels include monitoring levels, diet and insulin substitutes. Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia is the result of insufficient management of glucose in the body to meet the energy needs of the body's cellular development.
Reactive Hypoglycemia
Reactive hypoglycemia occurs when this blood sugar adjustment throws the body into imbalance and insulin lowers these levels until the body is unable to function without outside intervention. This deficiency creates a cycle of ingesting dextrose, a fast acting form of glucose, until the levels rise, then insulin releases again to balance these levels. According to the Physician Desk Reference on Health and Disease, deficiencies in glycogen may cause reactive blood sugar levels.
Epinephrine, another catabolic hormone and neurotransmitter, increases heart rate, contracts blood vessels, dilates air passages and assists the survival mechanisms in the body; like glucose, insulin regulates this chemical when blood sugar is low.
Fasting Hypoglycemia
Fasting hypoglycemia or low blood sugar on an empty stomach can occur from drinking large amounts of alcohol- sugar based, low hormone levels of epinephrine, or glucose deficiencies in liver and kidney disease, and hyperinsulinism, sensitivity to insulin. Fasting hypoglycemia can be difficult to predict because the body constant regulates the glycogen and insulin needs of the body. When hypoglycemia occurs in fasting, ingestion of dextrose or artificial sugars can cause reactive systems to cycle.
Diabetic Low Blood Sugar Levels
Diabetic low blood sugar levels are different from hypoglycemia. The condition of diabetes results from the body's inability to regulate blood sugar. When this occurs, blood sugar levels spike high and low. Synthetic insulin, injection or pill form, as well as monitoring and limiting specific food intake regulates this form of low blood sugar.
