What are the Causes of Low Sugar?
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) occurs when the body doesn't produce enough glucose to function properly. Symptoms of hypoglycemia vary with the cause of the low blood sugar. Common symptoms include clammy skin, sweating, intense hunger, trembling, weakness, and trouble speaking. Severe symptoms include seizures, blackouts, and comas.
Diabetes
Hypoglycemia can occur in people with diabetes if they use insulin. Factors that make them vulnerable to insulin-related hypoglycemia include eating irregularly and exercising intensely. In such cases, they need to frequently check their blood sugar levels.
Gland Deficiency
Adrenal glands, among other functions, are responsible for elevating glucose levels; if the glands are impaired, low blood sugar could result. The pituitary gland makes growth hormone, which helps balance the body's level of glucose; babies and small children are particular prone to low blood sugar if the growth hormone is disrupted.
Organ Failure
Kidney problems may impair the organ's capacity to generate glucose from amino acids. They may also lead to insulin circulating longer in the bloodstream, causing lower blood sugar levels. Kidney failure can indirectly lead to low blood sugar as patients often suffer appetite loss and consequently don't eat properly. Liver failure impairs the organ's ability to release stored glucose.
Alcohol
When your blood sugar drops, your liver normally converts stored carbohydrates into glucose. However, if you consume alcohol, the liver works on breaking down the alcohol first, allowing blood sugar levels to fall further. The problem is particularly acute if your blood sugar is low and you drink on an empty stomach.
Stomach Surgery
Gastric---or stomach---surgery can cause low blood sugar because of the rapid passage of food into the small intestine.
Medications
In rare cases, certain medications can cause drug-induced low blood sugar. These include Bactrim (an antibiotic), beta-blockers, Haloperidol, MAO inhibitors, Metformin (when used with sulfonylureas), Pentamidine, Quinidine, Quinine and Sulfonylureas.
Prevention/Solution
Your physician can suggest lifestyle and diet changes that can reduce episodes of hypoglycemia. Regardless of the cause, if not monitored, low blood sugar can rapidly go from mild to moderate to severe. Glucose tablets, sugary sweets or orange juice may quickly revive sufferers. But if the victim passes out, contact a doctor or dial 911.
Tags: blood sugar, blood sugar levels, sugar levels, cause blood, cause blood sugar, Causes Sugar, growth hormone