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This is a condition
where there is too little sugar in the bloodstream.
Also
See Diabetes
What to look for
For diabetics,
symptoms might also include:
headache.
nausea.
rapid heartbeat.
confusion, muddled
feeling suggesting drunkenness.
unconsciousness, coma, or
convulsions.
Hypoglycaemia, is caused
when the pancreas is overactive and too much sugar is removed from the bloodstream and the
blood sugar becomes low. In most cases, hypoglycaemia can be treated easily without
professional intervention when the symptoms are recognised early enough.
Usually the condition
occurs in diabetes sufferers, but non-diabetes patients can suffer hypoglycaemia as well.
Whether you are diabetic or not, if these episodes occur frequently, you need to speak
with a professional to learn to keep the levels under control.
Causes
To get energy, the body
draws on glucose, the sugar circulating in your bloodstream. When glucose levels fall
below normal, the body cannot meet its energy requirements. This is when the symptoms
occur.
A hormone produced in the
pancreas called insulin, is used by the body to convert glucose into energy. The levels of
insulin fluctuate and depend on demand. When there is too much insulin in the bloodstream
however, available supplies of glucose are burned up too quickly, resulting in
hypoglycaemia.
After a meal, insulin
levels can rise abruptly, when the sudden rise in blood sugar levels triggers increased
production by the pancreas. By the same token, glucose levels may drop as a result of a
missed meal or vigorous exercise.
Hypoglycaemia can also be
brought on by other factors:-
stomach surgery
some types of cancer
liver disease
alcohol
high fevers, and
reactions to food or drugs
small tumours that can
develop on the pancreas.
diabetics should always
have their blood sugar level monitored.
If you seem to be
consistently suffering from hypoglycaemia, your doctor will test you to see if diabetes is
the cause.
Traditional Treatment
It is necessary that your
diet be regulated to ensure that you are receiving appropriate doses of glucose and
insulin at the correct times. Your doctor will assist you with this.
If you are diabetic and
become unconscious during a hypoglycaemia attack, it is essential that you receive
immediate medical treatment.
Alternative
Considerations
Non-conventional remedies
emphasise nutrition and diet, with supplements of vitamins, minerals, and herbs.
Herbal
Therapies A concoction made from gentian
(Gentiana lutea) helps to stimulate the endocrine, or hormone-producing, glands..
Dietary Considerations
Small, frequent meals of
whole foods, especially whole grains, fermented dairy products (such as cheese), and lean
meat and fish.
Supplements of chromium -
always check with your doctor before taking supplements if you are diabetic.
Avoid alcohol (a simple
sugar), caffeine, and cigarette smoke, since they can create large swings in your blood
sugar levels.
Personal Care
Whether you are diabetic or
not, you can prevent a more serious attack of hypoglycaemia by simply eating a lolly or
anything sweat such as a can of non diet soft drink. Combine this sugar with a small piece
of protein with slow the absorption of the sugar into the bloodstream and stop the up and
down of the blood sugar levels.
When to seek further
professional advice
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