Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia, also called low blood glucose or low blood sugar, occurs when blood glucose level drops below required levels. Glucose, an important source of energy for the body, comes from food (carbohydrates).

After a meal, carbohydrate is broken down to glucose and absorbed into the bloodstream and carried to the body’s cells. On seeing the glucose level in blood pancreas secrets insulin (a hormone) with respect to the level of glucose in blood and help the cell to consume glucose for its energy.

Excess of glucose from food is converted to glycogen or fat and stored in liver or fat cells. The body can use glycogen for energy between meals. Fat can also be used for energy. When blood glucose begins to fall, glucagon (another hormone) made by the pancreas, signals the liver to break down glycogen and release glucose into the bloodstream. Blood glucose will then rise toward a normal level. In some people with diabetes, this glucagon is impaired and other hormones such as epinephrine (or adrenaline) may raise the blood glucose level. But with diabetes treated with insulin or pills that increase insulin production, glucose levels can’t easily increased to the normal range.

Hypoglycemia can happen suddenly. It is usually mild and can be treated quickly and easily by eating or drinking a small amount of glucose-rich food. If left untreated, hypoglycemia can get worse and cause confusion, clumsiness, or fainting. Severe hypoglycemia can lead to seizures, coma, and even death.

Hypoglycemia can also result, from other medications or diseases, hormone or enzyme deficiencies, or tumors.