Blood sugar provides the primary source of energy from food delivered through the blood into cells. In some medical conditions, most commonly diabetes mellitus, the blood sugar is elevated. One medication available is the hormone insulin, normally made in the pancreas. Taking insulin at the wrong time, such as with low blood sugar, can be very dangerous. It is important to consult with a physician for the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
Blood Sugar
The main blood sugar is called glucose. It is a six-carbon molecule that is oxidized, or broken down, by the body to help make adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, the main energy carrier in cells. It is so important that the body stores it in the liver and muscle to be used as needed. In the condition known as diabetes, the body has trouble taking glucose into the cells. In type I diabetes, the pancreas fails to make the hormone insulin. In type II diabetes, the cells fail to respond to normal levels of insulin.
Insulin
Insulin is a protein hormone molecule released by the pancreas in response to a meal. It signals cells to take in blood sugar. In diabetes, insulin can be administered as a medication by injection under the skin. This results in lowering the blood sugar into the normal range.
Hypoglycemia
Insulin is given according to the blood sugar level, with a little bit more insulin given for higher blood sugars. If excessive amounts of insulin are administered, the blood sugar can get too low, a condition called hypoglycemia. The low blood sugar deprives the body of an important source of energy and can lead to headaches, weakness, malaise, nausea and other non-specific symptoms. If very low, it can induce coma and death.
Treatment
If low blood sugar is present, the primary treatment is sugar. Intravenous sugar, such as dextrose, can be given intravenously. Oral sugar can be taken as well, but is more slow to act because it must get through the digestive tract. The longer term goal of treatment is preventing further episodes of hypoglycemia through the proper monitoring of blood sugar levels and the appropriate use and dosing of insulin.
References
- "Physiology"; Linda S.Costanzo; 4th Ed 2008
- "Basic and Clinical Pharmacology"; Bertram Katzung, et al.; 11th Ed 2009
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Anthony S Fauci, et al.; 17th Ed 2008
