Hypoglycaemia - Causes

Hypoglycemia is a sudden or gradual pathological condition in which the blood glucose concentration falls below the normal level (below 3.5 mmol / l). In most cases, a decrease in the level of glucose is accompanied by a syndrome of hypoglycemia - a complex of characteristic clinical symptoms associated with vegetative, nervous and mental disorders of the body.

Causes of hypoglycemia

The causes of hypoglycemia are diverse. This condition can develop as an empty stomach (after fasting), and after eating. Hypoglycemia, which occurs on an empty stomach, can be associated with the over-utilization of glucose in the body or with its inadequate production. The causes of glucose overtilisation are:

1. Hyperinsulinism is an increase in the secretion of insulin by the pancreas and the associated increase in its concentration in the blood.
2. Insulinoma - a benign tumor of the pancreas, secreting excessive amounts of insulin.
3. Excess intake of glucose in other tumors (often - liver tumors, adrenal cortex).
4. An overdose of insulin in the treatment of diabetes mellitus .
5. Hypersensitivity to insulin, which developed due to the continued intake of sugar reducing and some other drugs.
6. Idiopathic familial hypoglycemia is a genetic disease in which an immediate breakdown of insulin entering the bloodstream is observed.

Insufficient production of glucose is a consequence of:

• violations of the process of glycogenolysis;
• diseases, accompanied by a decrease in the production of contrinsular hormones ( Addison's disease , hypopituitarism);
• defects of enzyme systems in case of glycogen disease and liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis, etc.).

Hypoglycemia that occurs after eating (reactive), can develop as a reaction to food (most often on the use of carbohydrates).

In addition to the already mentioned, quite often the causes of hypoglycemia in diabetes mellitus are:

• alcohol consumption;
• intensive physical activity;
• Incorrect introduction of insulin before bedtime (nocturnal hypoglycemia associated with the minimum body requirement for insulin in the night period from 2 to 4 hours).

Prevention of hypoglycemia

In order to prevent hypoglycemia, it is recommended:

1. Refuse alcohol.
2. Precisely calculate the dose of insulin and hypoglycemic drugs.
3. Do not skip meals.
4. Always have glucose tablets or a piece of sugar.