Glucose is a simple sugar that is the preferred source of energy for your brain and your muscles. Hypoglycemia, also referred to as low blood sugar, is a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of glucose in the blood. Hypoglycemia most commonly occurs as a side effect of diabetes treatment, specifically an insulin overdose, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse.
Physiology
When you eat carbohydrates, your body breaks them down into glucose. Glucose travels through the small intestine where it is absorbed and enters into your bloodstream. When glucose levels in the blood rise, your pancreas releases a hormone called insulin, which attaches to glucose and brings it to your cells. With the help of insulin, your cells can use glucose for energy, returning glucose levels in the blood to normal.
When glucose levels fall, the pancreas releases a hormone called glucagon, which triggers the liver to convert glycogen into glucose and release it into the bloodstream. This serves as a source of energy until you are able to eat carbohydrates.
Diabetes
In someone with diabetes, the physiological process of blood sugar control is disrupted in some way. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas cannot produce insulin. As a result, the cells cannot utilize glucose and it accumulates in the bloodstream. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin, but the cells are resistant to it. Insulin and glucose accumulate in the bloodstream.
Every type 1 diabetic must receive regular injections of insulin to survive. Some type 2 diabetics also benefit from insulin. The dosage of insulin depends on the types of foods eaten, the amount of foods eaten and the time of day.
Insulin Overdose
Because insulin dosage is based on a variety of factors, an accidental overdose is rather easy. An insulin overdose can occur as a result of administering too much insulin at once or not eating an adequate amount of food after administering insulin. Excessive exercise can also lead to an insulin overdose. Any of these factors can result in low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia.
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia
It is important to recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia to prevent complications that may occur as a result of prolonged low blood sugar. The most common symptoms of hypoglycemia include hunger, shakiness, nervousness, confusion, difficulty speaking, weakness, anxiety, light-headedness, increased perspiration and dizziness, according to MayoClinic.com. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should eat something immediately. Consuming foods that contain simple sugars, such as hard candy, honey or soda, can immediately raise your blood sugar back into healthy ranges.
