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When you hear the term hypoglycemia, you probably immediately associate it with diabetes.
Hypoglycemia is a condition in which the blood sugar levels are very low, a situation that many other conditions besides diabetes can lead you to and it is important that you be aware of your body and notice them.
Blood sugar is the body's main source of energy.
Our bodies carefully regulate blood sugar levels to keep them within healthy ranges.
However, certain health conditions can cause blood sugar levels to be very low and cause hypoglycemia.
Low blood sugar levels are usually associated with diabetes.
However, other conditions can also cause a person to experience hypoglycemia.
The symptoms that should shine a red light on us
Hyperhidrosis
dizziness
Feeling confused
feeling hungry
Uncontrollable shaking
rapid heartbeat
feeling anxious
Dizzy Woman Dizziness Headache/ShutterStock
So when can hypoglycemia occur?
It is important to note that hypoglycemia usually occurs when the blood sugar level is below 70 milligrams per deciliter.
Drinking alcohol
When blood sugar levels drop, the pancreas secretes a hormone called glucagon.
Glucagon signals the liver to release stored energy.
In response, the liver releases glucose into the bloodstream to restore blood sugar levels to the normal range.
Excessive drinking of alcohol causes difficulty in liver function.
He may lose the ability to release glucose in response to the glucagon signal and the result is temporary hypoglycemia.
Not eating regularly
People with eating disorders do not consume a sufficient amount of food and their body does not produce a sufficient amount of glucose.
There are people who go on a fasting diet and it is important to know that this may cause severe disruptions in sugar levels such as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia and metabolic acidosis - called "ketoacidosis".
Therefore, for people who tend to suffer from low blood sugar, it is recommended to eat smaller meals and snacks during the day.
They also need to eat about every three or four hours.
Stress
, pressure and high stress levels can affect hormones and blood sugar levels.
Therefore, it is important to be in control and do relaxation exercises.
Physical activity
During physical activity, the muscles use, among other things, the glycogen stored in the muscles as a source of energy, whether it is an aerobic process (in the presence of oxygen) or an anaerobic process (without the presence of oxygen).
When these glycogen stores are depleted, the body uses the glucose in the bloodstream, which with the help of insulin enters the cells and is used by them as a source of energy for their activity.
During recovery from physical activity, the glucose is used to rebuild (synthesis) the glycogen stores in the muscles and liver, therefore during this period of time, as well as during the activity itself, the muscles serve as a sugar pump that helps balance blood sugar levels.
Surgery
Different types of surgery can cause a state of hypoglycemia due to changes that the body undergoes during surgery.
This symptom is mainly common in gastrointestinal surgeries, therefore, it is important to be alert for these symptoms and receive appropriate treatment.
Pituitary gland hypoactivity
is a rare condition that affects the system responsible for the production of hormones in the brain.
The pituitary gland is a small gland that plays a central role in regulating vital functions of the body. It is known as the "master gland", because it controls the activity of most of the other glands that secrete hormones.
Symptoms of hypopituitarism can include hypoglycemia due to low cortisol levels.
Insulinoma
Insulinoma is a condition of a small tumor in the pancreas.
The pancreas is a glandular organ in the abdomen, and one of its main functions is the production of insulin.
Because the phenomenon causes the pancreas to secrete too much insulin, the blood sugar level can drop to very low levels and reach a state of hypoglycemia.
In conclusion, there are many situations in which hypoglycemia can be experienced, it is important to be alert to the symptoms and monitor the blood sugar level with a continuous blood glucose meter and thus avoid life-threatening situations.
Prof. Julio Weinstein is the director of the diabetes unit at the Wolfson Medical Center and a senior diabetologist at the DMC Center for the Treatment of Diabetes
More on the same topic:
diabetes mellitus
Sugar
Tension
diet
Exercise