Hypoglycemia, also referred to as low blood sugar, is characterized by abnormally low levels of glucose in the blood. Glucose, which comes mainly from carbohydrates, is the body's preferred source of energy. Hypoglycemia is commonly associated with diabetes, but it can occur as a result of lack of food and a poor diet as well.
Physiology
When you eat carbohydrates, your body breaks them down into glucose, which is a simple sugar. Glucose moves through the digestive system and then enters the bloodstream through the small intestine. The presence of glucose in the bloodstream triggers the release of the hormone insulin from the pancreas. Insulin binds to glucose and allows the cells to use some of the sugar for energy and store some of it in the liver as glycogen.
When you do not eat food or you do not eat the proper amount of carbohydrates, blood sugar levels drop. The low blood sugar levels trigger the release of another pancreatic hormone called glucagon. Glucagon stimulates the liver to break down glycogen into glucose that can be used for energy. If you do not eat regularly, the glycogen in the liver will eventually deplete and the body will have no source of energy, causing hypoglycemia.
Symptoms
If glucose levels fall too low or remain low for an extended period of time, it depletes the brain of energy. This can cause confusion, abnormal behavior, double vision and blurred vision. Other symptoms of hypoglycemia include increased hunger, shakiness, dizziness, sweating, nervousness, sleepiness, anxiety and weakness, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse.
Treatment
Hypoglycemia caused by a lack of food and poor diet can usually be corrected with immediate consumption of food. The quickest way to restore your blood sugar levels is to consume simple sugar, such as hard candy, fruit juice or soda. If you have severe hypoglycemia, you may require an intravenous injection of a glucose solution to restore your blood sugar levels.
Complications
If left untreated, hypoglycemia can eventually lead to loss of consciousness because the lack of glucose to the brain causes the body to shut down. In addition, untreated hypoglycemia can also lead to seizures and even death.
Prevention
To prevent hypoglycemia, make sure you eat regularly and consume some carbohydrates in your diet. Eating small meals throughout the course of the day can help keep blood sugar levels steady and prevent depletion of glycogen in the liver. It is also important to eat a balanced diet that contains lean meat, fish, whole grains, fiber, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products.
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