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Hypoglycemia, also called low
blood sugar, occurs when your blood
glucose (blood sugar) level drops
too low to provide enough energy for
your body's activities. In adults or
children older than 10 years,
hypoglycemia is uncommon except as a
side effect of diabetes treatment,
but it can result from other
medications or diseases, hormone or
enzyme deficiencies, or tumors.
Glucose, a form of sugar, is an
important fuel for your body.
Carbohydrates are the main dietary
sources of glucose. Rice, potatoes,
bread, tortillas, cereal, milk,
fruit, and sweets are all
carbohydrate-rich foods.
After a meal, glucose molecules are
absorbed into your bloodstream and
carried to the cells, where they are
used for energy. Insulin, a hormone
produced by your pancreas, helps
glucose enter cells. If you take in
more glucose than your body needs at
the time, your body stores the extra
glucose in your liver and muscles in
a form called glycogen. Your body
can use the stored glucose whenever
it is needed for energy between
meals. Extra glucose can also be
converted to fat and stored in fat
cells.
When blood glucose begins to fall,
glucagon, another hormone produced
by the pancreas, signals the liver
to break down glycogen and release
glucose, causing blood glucose
levels to rise toward a normal
level. If you have diabetes, this
glucagon response to hypoglycemia
may be impaired, making it harder
for your glucose levels to return to
the normal range.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hypoglycemia include
hunger
nervousness and shakiness
perspiration
dizziness or light-headedness
sleepiness
confusion
difficulty speaking
feeling anxious or weak
Hypoglycemia can also happen while
you are sleeping. You might
cry out or have nightmares
find that your pajamas or sheets are
damp from perspiration
feel tired, irritable, or confused
when you wake up
Content Courtesy :
diabetes.niddk.nih.gov
Note : Information herein is
provided for informational purposes
only and is not a substitute for
professional medical advice. You
should not use this information for
diagnosing or treating a medical or
health condition. If you have or
suspect you have a medical problem,
promptly contact your professional
healthcare provider. Please consult
your healthcare provider before
beginning any course of
supplementation or treatment.
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