Hypoglycemia - Description

An important part of the human diet is carbohydrates—sugars and starches. Carbohydrates are changed in the digestive system to glucose. The bloodstream carries glucose to cells. Cells use glucose to produce the energy needed for walking, talking, and just staying alive.

In some cases, people do not get enough glucose in their regular diet. Or they get enough glucose, but their body does not use it properly. In such cases, the person develops hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can develop in several ways.

Drug-induced Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia occurs frequently among diabetics (see diabetes mellitus entry). Diabetics are people whose bodies cannot use glucose properly. Their bodies either cannot manufacture or cannot use a compound known as insulin. Insulin (pronounced IN-soo-lin) is needed to convert glucose into a form that cells can use.

Diabetics whose bodies don't manufacture insulin control their disorder by taking insulin shots. Diabetics whose bodies don't recognize insulin can adjust their diet to deal with the condition. Missing a meal or taking too much insulin can cause hypoglycemia. This can cause a severe reaction known as "insulin shock."

Idiopathic Or Reactive Hypoglycemia

Idiopathic hypoglycemia occurs most commonly after a person has eaten. The cause for this type of hypoglycemia is not known. It may occur when an organ, such as the liver or pancreas, is not functioning properly. However, the condition is not related to diabetes.

Idiopathic hypoglycemia also occurs among people who have negative reactions to certain foods and drugs. For example, some children have a negative reaction to aspirin that can cause hypoglycemia. Other children have a negative reaction to natural fruit sugar (fructose) that can produce hypoglycemia.

Fasting Hypoglycemia

Strenuous exercise or going without food for long periods of time may also cause hypoglycemia. This form of hypoglycemia is called fasting hypoglycemia.

Other factors can also cause hypoglycemia, including:

• Pregnancy
• A weakened immune system
• A poorly balanced diet that contains too much sugar
• Prolonged use of certain drugs, including antibiotics
• Chronic (ongoing) physical or mental stress
• An irregular heartbeat
• Allergies (see allergies entry)
• Breast cancer (see breast cancer entry)
• Surgery in the upper gastrointestinal (digestive) tract