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Question on hypoglycemia

What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?
(22 Aug 2007)

Hypoglycemia is the condition where the glucose levels of the blood drop below minimal levels. Glucose is a very essential product to regulate the normal workings of the body and is absorbed from the carbohydrates of consumed foods such as potatoes, rice, bread, milk and fruit.  When a person finishes a meal, the glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream and is carried to the body’s cells.


The insulin created by the pancreas will help the cells use glucose to create energy. Any excess amounts of glucose will be converted into fat and stored in fat cells until the time they are required. When the glucose levels in the bloodstream fall, another hormone created in the pancreas called glucagon will send a signal to the liver asking it to break down glycogen and release the glucose into the bloodstream. If the individual suffers from diabetes, the response that the glucagon has to the hypoglycemia is not as effective and other hormones, such as epinephrine, may raise the blood glucose levels instead. An attack of hypoglycemia is likely to happen suddenly and can usually be resolved quickly by consuming a small amount of glucose rich food. However, if the condition is left untreated over a period of time, it could get worse and cause a significant amount of confusion, fainting or clumsiness. Severe conditions can lead to seizures, comas or even death. The most common cause of the condition is an excessive intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates which cause the liver, pancreas and adrenal glands to lose their ability to handle sugar properly.

There are a few home remedies that would prove very beneficial in dealing with the condition. The use of molasses is known to be very useful with low blood sugar and drinking a glass of sherbet made of molasses will act as a tonic and prevent the sensation that you are going to faint. Instead of having three big meals throughout the day, break them up into six smaller meals. It is important to follow a diet plan that is rich in fiber, especially the water soluble forms of fiber as they have an extremely beneficial effect on blood sugar. When you wake up in the morning, drink fresh fruit juices made of apple, avocado, berries or peaches accompanied by a breakfast consisting of buttermilk, cottage cheese and fruits. The same can be followed for lunch while for dinner you can indulge in vegetable salads with 2 slices of whole wheat bread.
answered by G M on 21 Apr 2010, 1:07:17

 

Hypoglycemia means low blood sugars and is indicative of an endocrine imbalance.  Often people become shaky, fuzzy-headed, irritable and unable to concentrate.  Different people evidence different symptoms.  To diagnose this condition, one of the screening tests is a fasting glucose.  Other laboratory tests can be done to determine the pattern of insulin release after eating a high-sugar meal. 

Dr. Karen Benton, Naturopathic Physician 

answered by Dr K B N on 22 Aug 2007, 8:53:40

 

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