A Western and Eastern Approach to Hypoglycemia

by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Hypoglycemia is abnormally low levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. A low blood glucose level can occur when your blood glucose drops below a certain level (usually less than 4 mmol/L).

Hypoglycemia literally means "low blood sugar" and is often mistaken for a disease when it is actually a symptom. Normally, the body maintains the levels of sugar in the blood within a range of about 70 to 110 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood. In hypoglycemia, the sugar levels in the blood become too low. In diabetes mellitus, the sugar levels in the blood become too high, a condition called hyperglycemia. Although high levels of sugar in the blood characterize diabetes, many people with diabetes periodically experience hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is uncommon among people without diabetes.

Low levels of sugar in the blood interfere with the function of many organ systems. The brain is particularly sensitive to low sugar levels, because sugar is the brain's major energy source. If the sugar levels in the blood fall far below their usual range, the brain responds by stimulating the adrenal glands to release epinephrine (adrenaline), the pancreas to release glucagon, and the pituitary gland to release growth hormone, all of which cause the liver to release sugar into the blood.

Ingested sugars and carbohydrates trigger a release of the hormone insulin from the pancreas. Insulin helps the body turn sugars into energy and stored fats. In some people, the amount of insulin released is too high for the amount of carbohydrates ingested, resulting in too much sugar being burned up too quickly. A net loss of blood sugar results. In hypoglycemia attacks, there is too much insulin and not enough blood sugar, causing fatigue, weakness, loss of consciousness, and even death.

There are three general types of hypoglycemia. Two of them are rare organic forms involving the pancreas. The third and most common form is called functional hypoglycemia (FH) and is usually caused by an inadequate diet too high in sugar and refined carbohydrates.

Hypoglycemia may be better described as carbohydrate intolerance: the body is unable to absorb certain carbohydrate loads effectively without adverse consequences. Different people react differently to ingested sugars and starches, with some individuals having a higher tolerance level than others.

The kidneys involve the regulation of electrolyte balance of sodium and potassium, necessary for the circulation of bio electrical energy throughout the body. The kidney involves the secretion of glucocorticoid hormone, cortisol, from the adrenal cortex. Kidneys involving adrenaline secretions of the adrenal medula, also involve other endocrine functions including the pituitary and thyroid glands. The prominent hormone-regulating role played by the adrenals is important in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system.

Causes

Drugs: Most cases of hypoglycemia occur in people with diabetes and are caused by the insulin or other drugs. They tend to lower the levels of sugar in their blood. People with diabetes sometimes call the hypoglycemia that can occur after taking insulin an "insulin reaction" or "weak or shaky." Insulin reactions are more common when intense efforts are made to keep the sugar levels in the blood as close to normal as possible. People who are losing weight or who develop kidney failure are more likely to have hypoglycemia. Older people are more susceptible than younger people to hypoglycemia resulting from sulfonylurea drugs.

Many drugs other than those for diabetes, most notably Pentamidine, used to treat a form of pneumonia that occurs most seen in HIV, and quinine, used to treat muscle cramps, can cause hypoglycemia. An uncommon type of drug-related hypoglycemia sometimes occurs in people with Mï¿1/2sen syndrome, who secretly take insulin or other drugs as part of their attention-seeking behavior

Fasting: In fasting hypoglycemia, the body is not able to maintain adequate levels of sugar in the blood after a period without food. Prolonged fasting and prolonged strenuous exercise, even after a period of fasting, are unlikely to cause hypoglycemia in otherwise healthy people, but they can do so occasionally.

There are several diseases or conditions that can cause fasting hypoglycemia. In people who drink heavily without eating, alcohol can block the release of stored sugar from the liver. In people with liver disease, such as viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, or cancer, the liver may not store sufficient sugar. Infants and children who have an abnormality of the enzyme systems that control sugar use also may have fasting hypoglycemia.

Reaction to Eating: Hypoglycemia can occur as a reaction to eating, usually carbohydrates. The body's response to food is excessive, so the body produces more insulin than is needed.

After certain types of stomach surgery, such as removal of part of the stomach, sugars are absorbed very quickly, stimulating excess insulin production. Problems with digestion of some sugars (fructose and galactose) and amino acids (leucine) may also cause reactive hypoglycemia. An uncommon form of reactive hypoglycemia can occur after drinking alcohol in combination with sugar (for example, a gin and tonic).

Other Causes: Some causes of hypoglycemia seem to have no specific relation to food, but fasting or vigorous exercise can trigger or worsen an episode of hypoglycemia. Rarely, a tumor in the pancreas can produce large amounts of insulin, leading to hypoglycemia. In some people, an autoimmune disorder lowers sugar levels in the blood by changing insulin secretion or by some other means. Disorders that lower hormone production by the pituitary and adrenal glands (most notably Addison's disease) can cause hypoglycemia. Certain severe diseases, such as kidney or heart failure, cancer, and shock, may also cause hypoglycemia, particularly in a person who is also being treated for diabetes. Hypoglycemia is associated with anxiousness, and seen in asthmatics, in fact, most all asthmatics are hypogylcemic though not all hypoglycemics are asthmatic.

Alternative Therapies

Hypoglycemia: How to treat low blood glucose
(As recommended by the American Diabetes Association)

Check your blood glucose. If you do not have your meter with you treat the symptoms anyway. It is better to be safe. Eat or drink a form of sugar such as:

*3 B-D Glucose Tablets or 5 Dextrose Tablets

*6 Life Savers

*3/4 cup of juice

*1 tablespoon of honey.

*An orange

Wait 10 to 15 minutes, then test your blood glucose again.

Stay active: Regular exercise helps your body lower blood sugars, promotes weight loss, reduces stress and enhances overall fitness.


Andrew Pacholyk, MS. L.Ac
http://www.peacefulmind.com
Therapies for healing
mind, body, spirit