Hypoglycemia is a condition in which the body has low blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels are regulated by insulin and glucagon, which are hormones secreted by the pancreas. Hypoglycemia is common in patients with diabetes, a condition in which the body does not produce insulin or fails to utilize available insulin. Hypoglycemia can also be caused by fever, a poor diet, by fasting and by using prescription drugs such as lovastatin.
Lovastatin and Hypoglycemia
Lovastatin is the generic name of a drug used to lower cholesterol levels so as to reduce the risk of stokes, heart attacks and other heart disorders caused by cholesterol. Lovastatin can cause hypoglycemia, and patients with diabetes or patients with a history of hypoglcyemia should inform their doctor before the drug is prescribed.
Lovastatin Admnistration
Lovastatin is available in regular and extended-release tablets that are taken by mouth. The regular tablet is taken once or twice a day with meals. The extended-release tablet is taken at bedtme or with the evening meal. Extended-release tablets should not be opened or chewed because that may result in too much of the drug being released in the body at once. Diabetics taking lovastatin should assess blood glucose levels regularly.
Hypoglycemia Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms of hypoglycemia include fatigue, headache, slurred speech, excessive sweating, dizziness, double vision, blurry vision, trembling, heart palpitations, anxiety, nervousness, irritability, confusion, convulsions and loss of consciousness. Untreated hypoglycemia is a dangerous and can lead to seizures, coma and death. Patients at risk for hypoglycemia should check blood glucose levels regularly. Patients should also always have access to 15 to 20g of carbohydrate food such as glucose tablets, candy, honey or sweetened juice. Severe hypoglycemia is treated using glucagon and glucose injections.
Hypoglycemia and Nutrition
Patients with hypoglycemia should consume a balanced diet that contains plenty of complex carbohydrates and proteins because these foods help stabilize blood glucose levels. Complex carbohydrates that contain soluble fiber, such as beans, oat bran and flaxseed, take longer to digest and help regulate blood sugars throughout the day. Patients should avoid simple carbohydrates such as table sugar and white bread because these foods cause sudden rises and drops in blood sugar levels. Patients should also avoid excess alcohol because it can cause hypoglycemia.
