Diabetic Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia occurs when blood glucose (the body's main fuel source) drops too low (60 mg (milligrams) to 120mg) depending on when you last eat. Blood sugars that are below 45 are almost always considered a serious abnormality.

Impact Of Hormones

Blood sugar levels are affected by normal hormones in the body (cortisol, growth hormones, epinephrine and norepinephrine). Blood sugar typically rises after eating when the beta cells release insulin. Insulin then allows glucose to enter the cells, however if blood sugar levels drop too low, they secrete glucagons.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia can be associated with other conditions that have nothing to do with blood sugar, or example, unusual stress and anxiety can cause excess production of catecholamines.

Hypoglycemia Unawareness

It is typical for users of insulin (for both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes) to have hypoglycemia and they may also have hypoglycemia 'unawareness' (that is difficulty recognizing symptoms) - this can be reduced or prevented by monitoring blood sugar levels frequently and learning to recognize the symptoms and triggers of hypoglycemia.

Diabetics can bring on hypoglycemic attacks by missing or delaying meals, drinking too much alcohol, exercising too much or taking too much insulin in comparison too food. In diabetics hypoglycemia is also known as an insulin reaction.

Symptoms Of Hypoglycemia

Symptoms of hypoglycemia may include feeling weak, drowsy, hungry, dizzy and may be accompanied by paleness, a headache, irritability and trembling (other symptoms may also be present).

To diagnose hypoglycemia in people who do not have diabetes, the doctor looks for the following three conditions:

• The patient complains of symptoms of hypoglycemia
  
• Blood glucose levels found to be 45 mg/dL or less in a woman or 55 mg/dL or less in a man
  
• The symptoms are promptly relieved upon ingestion of sugar
  

The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

For many years, the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was used to diagnose hypoglycemia although it has been determined that this test can actually trigger hypoglycemic symptoms in people with no signs of the disorder therefore it is now recommend that blood sugar be tested at the same time a person is experiencing the hypoglycemic symptoms.

In rare cases, some cancers such as breast cancer and adrenal cancer may cause hypoglycemia through secretion of a hormone called insulin-like growth factor II. The treatment is removal of the tumor, if possible.