Hypoglycemia

Glucose is an important fuel for the body to produce energy. The glucose used by the body as a fuel is released from the metabolism of carbohydrates. After a meal, glucose is produced and circulated to different body cells through the circulating blood. The cells require insulin to take up glucose inside the membrane and generate energy. When there is inadequate production of insulin, glucose metabolism is slowed down and less glucose is circulated in the blood. This condition is termed as Hypoglycemia. It happens to every diabetic patient from time to time and the severity differs in each case. Although you are taking good care of diabetes, hypoglycemia may result as it is mostly an insulin reaction which in turn depends on number of factors at a time.

As blood sugar begins to fall, the counter regulatory hormone like glucagon, another hormone stimulates break down of glycogen and releases glucose, causing blood glucose level to rise. For diabetes, glucagon response to hypoglycemia is impaired, which makes it tough for the body to revert back the normal blood glucose level.

Hypoglycemia can be diagonised in people with diabetes who take certain medications to keep their blood glucose levels in control. Hypoglycemia is mild and it can be easily treated by drinking or eating something with carbohydrate. But left untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to loss of consciousness. Although it can happen suddenly, hypoglycemia can usually be treated quickly, bringing your blood glucose level back to the normal.

Hypoglycemia is a problem for every diabetic so it is important to learn its causes, signs, symptoms, diagnosis and prevention in order to cope up with it as early as possible.