Table sugar, or sucrose, is found in sugar beets, molasses, sugar cane, candies, pastries and maple syrup. Sucrose is a disaccharide composed of one molecule each of glucose and fructose. According to nutritionist and Dr. Elson Haas, sucrose is rapidly broken down into its constituents by sucrase, an enzyme found in your intestines. Both glucose and fructose are then rapidly absorbed through your intestinal lining and into your bloodstream. Some people develop "reactive hypoglycemia," or abnormally low blood glucose, upon sudden entry of glucose into their bloodstream.
Balanced Hormones
As more glucose enters your bloodstream, and your blood glucose level increases, your pancreas secretes a hormone called insulin, which stimulates the uptake of glucose by the cells in your liver, muscles and fat tissue. The cellular uptake of glucose leads to a drop in your blood glucose level, which prompts your pancreas to release glucagon, a hormone that opposes insulin's effects and prevents your blood glucose from falling too low. Through the balanced actions of insulin and glucagon, your glucose level gradually returns to normal.
Insulin Overshoot
If you have reactive hypoglycemia, your pancreas might be secreting too much insulin too quickly, leading to a precipitous fall in your blood glucose following a sugary meal. Glucagon production is then insufficient -- or lags too far behind insulin secretion -- to prevent your glucose level from falling too low. "The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy" reports that hypoglycemia triggers a surge of autonomic nervous system activity that causes sweating, nausea, anxiety and shakiness. In severe cases, insufficient glucose supply to your brain can lead to confusion, visual problems, seizures and coma.
Treatment
The sudden entry of glucose into your bloodstream and the subsequent sharp rise in insulin levels can be blunted by avoiding the consumption of simple sugars, such as sucrose. Complex carbohydrates -- grains and vegetables -- are broken down more slowly in your intestines, with a more gradual absorption of their constituents and, consequently, less dramatic swings in your blood glucose level. Additionally, eating small, frequent meals limits the total load of sugar reaching your bloodstream at any one time and forestalls "insulin overshoot." If you do experience shakiness following a meal, a few sips of juice or a small piece of candy might boost your blood glucose level and alleviate your symptoms. However, too much sugar might trigger further hypoglycemic symptoms and a "rollercoaster" effect.
Considerations
True hypoglycemia is uncommon in otherwise healthy individuals. Symptoms similar to those seen in hypoglycemia are far more common than the condition itself and are frequently not caused by hypoglycemia. In fact, most people with symptoms suggestive of hypoglycemia have normal blood glucose levels at the time their symptoms occur. Certain medical conditions, such as insulin-secreting tumors in your pancreas, can cause hypoglycemia. In some cases, these conditions lead to progressively worsening symptoms. If you experience persistent shakiness following your meals, call your physician.
References
- "Staying Healthy with Nutrition: Disaccharides"; Dr. Elson Haas; 2006
- "Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy (18th Edition): Hypoglycemia"; Dr. Mark Beers, editor in chief; 2006
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