About Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia occurs when blood glucose levels drop below healthy levels. The condition is usually mild and may be treated by drinking or eating foods high in sugar. However, when left untreated hypoglycemia can result in severe symptoms and may lead to seizures, coma, brain damage, or death. Hypoglycemia is uncommon in adults except as a side effect of treatment for diabetes, although the number of people who suffer from non-diabetic hypoglycemia is rising.
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Identification
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The initial symptoms of hypoglycemia are typically internal. These effects include hunger, nervousness, light-headedness, fatigue, and a feeling of general weakness. As blood sugar levels continue to drop, external signs may become apparent, such as shakiness, sweating and slurred speech. Confusion typically follows these symptoms. If sugar levels continue to fall, seizures, coma and death may result. Hypoglycemic episodes that occur during sleep may result in night sweats, nightmares, crying out, confusion, irritability, and sleepiness upon waking. A hypoglycemic person may appear drunk or drugged to observers.
Types
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Hypoglycemia is often a side effect of treatment for diabetes. It may occur due to overly high doses of insulin, delayed or skipped snacks following administration of insulin, an unexpected increase in activity, or consumption of alcoholic beverages. Two types of hypoglycemia also occur in non-diabetics: reactive hypoglycemia (postprandial hypoglycemia) and fasting hypoglycemia (postabsorptive hypoglycemia). Reactive hypoglycemic episodes occur within 4 hours of eating. Fasting hypoglycemia is typically caused by an underlying disease, such as hormonal deficiencies or certain types of tumors. Both reactive and fasting hypoglycemia cause symptoms similar to those experienced during diabetes-related hypoglycemia. Neonatal hypoglycemia is a condition exclusive to newborns.
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Prevention/Solution
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Prevention and treatment of hypoglycemia involves determining the underlying cause of the condition, and making any necessary changes in medication, diet or activity levels. Altering medication doses, taking insulin as scheduled and eating regularly can usually prevent hypoglycemia related to diabetes. Reactive hypoglycemia is often treated by dietary changes alone, and treatment may include eating six small meals per day. Fasting hypoglycemia requires evaluation and treatment of any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the dysregulation of blood sugar levels.
Warning
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Hypoglycemia is a condition that should be taken seriously, regardless of the cause of severity of symptoms. Untreated or frequent hypoglycemic episodes have been linked to brain damage, epilepsy, adrenal fatigue, pancreatic failure, diabetes, memory impairment, coma, and death. Hypoglycemia is a medical emergency, and it should be treated as quickly as possible to prevent unconsciousness and permanent nerve cell damage.
Potential
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Hypoglycemia has become increasingly common in adults in the last couple of decades due to a rise in diabetes and a decrease in healthy eating habits caused by higher stress and more hectic lifestyles. Chronic hypoglycemia can affect all areas of health, decrease productivity and result in anxiety and depression. The reliance on fast foods, caffeinated beverages, sugary snacks, and other unhealthy foods to make it through the day will likely result in even higher levels of hypoglycemia and diabetes among the adult population of the United States over the next ten years. As more health professionals become aware of this trend, public education on hypoglycemia and proper nutrition is receiving more attention. Efforts to increase public awareness of the symptoms and prevention of hypoglycemia are expected to grow.
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