About Hypoglycemia

Learn More About Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar, occurs when your blood glucose levels (the level of sugar in the blood) drop too low to provide enough energy for your body's activities. In adults or children older than ten years of age, hypoglycemia is uncommon except as a side effect of diabetes treatment, but it can result from certain medications, diseases, hormone or enzyme deficiencies, and tumors.

• Causes & Signs of Hypoglycemia
  Hypoglycemia usually occurs in people with diabetes who take certain medications to keep their blood glucose levels in control.
   
• Prevention & Treatment of Hypoglycemia
  Your diabetes treatment plan is designed to match your medication dosage and schedule to your usual meals and activities.
  
  
• Hypoglycemia Without Diabetes
  Hypoglycemia appears in people without diabetes in two forms: reactive hypoglycemia and fasting hypoglycemia.
  
  
• Hypoglycemia in Children
  Parents should understand that hypoglycemia can occur while your child exercises or even while they sleep.
  

The Importance of Glucose
Glucose, a form of sugar, is an important fuel for your body. After a meal, glucose molecules are absorbed into your bloodstream and carried to the cells, where they are used for energy. Insulin, a hormone released by the pancreas, then helps the glucose enter the cells. Extra glucose can then be stored in your liver and muscles in a form called glycogen.

When blood glucose begins to fall, glucagon, another hormone produced by the pancreas, signal the liver to break down glycogen and release glucose, causing blood glucose levels to rise. In people with diabetes, this glucagon response to hypoglycemia may be impaired, making it hard for blood glucose levels to return to normal.