Hypoglycemia, also referred to as low blood sugar or low blood glucose, occurs when your blood glucose levels drop below normal values. Blood glucose levels below 70 mg/dL are considered hypoglycemic. Hypoglycemia is usually mild and occurs suddenly, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, but if left untreated can result in serious complications.
Physiology
When you eat carbohydrates, your body breaks them down into a simple sugar called glucose. The presence of glucose in the bloodstream stimulates the release of insulin, which is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin binds to glucose and helps the cells use it for energy. Extra glucose is converted to glycogen and stored in the muscles and the liver. When glucose levels in the body fall too low, it signals the release of glucagon, another hormone produced by the liver. Glucagon breaks down glycogen in the liver and releases glucose into the bloodstream. If this glucagon response is impaired or glycogen is not available, it can lead to hypoglycemia.
Causes
A variety of different conditions can cause hypoglycemia in people without diabetes. Excessive alcohol consumption can prevent the liver from releasing glycogen into the bloodstream, which can result in hypoglycemia. Some chronic illnesses, such as hepatitis and kidney disease, can also lead to hypoglycemia. Adrenal gland disorders and pituitary gland disorders can cause hormone deficiencies that may also lead to hypoglycemia. In rare cases, a tumor on the pancreas can cause the overproduction of insulin, which can lead to hypoglycemia.
Symptoms
Since all tissues in the body require glucose, low levels of glucose in the bloodstream affect all of the body systems and cause a variety of symptoms. Neurological symptoms include confusion, abnormal behavior, blurred vision and double vision. Other symptoms of hypoglycemia include heart palpitations, tremor, anxiety, sweating and increased hunger, according to MayoClinic.com.
Treatment
Initial treatment for hypoglycemia focuses on restoring blood glucose levels. Early stages of hypoglycemia can usually be corrected by consuming sugar. Severe hypoglycemia may require intravenous administration of glucose. After blood glucose levels are back to normal, further treatment focuses on correcting the underlying cause of the hypoglycemia. This treatment may consist of medications or surgical removal of a tumor.
Complications
The brain requires a constant supply of glucose to function properly. If hypoglycemia is left untreated, eventually it can result in a loss of consciousness. Severe hypoglycemia can also result in seizures and even death.
