Nervousness, anxiety, sudden hunger, confusion, unusual mood swings, fatigue, drowsiness, abnormal perspiration – sound familiar? If you have experienced these symptoms, chances are that you are suffering from hypoglycemia.
More commonly known as a state of “low blood sugar”, hypoglycemia is a clinical condition resulting from a lower than normal blood glucose level. Glucose or sugar is what we call the fuel for all our energy. We mainly get our glucose supply from carbohydrates, which can be obtained from food such as rice, pasta, cereal, milk, sweets, fruits, or vegetables. After a meal, the glucose from the food is absorbed in our bloodstream, and carried to the cells of our body, in order to make them function properly. To control the amount of glucose in the bloodstream, the body releases two types of hormones, insulin and glucagon, to decrease or increase the glucose level respectively. Too much insulin causes the sugar level to fall excessively, resulting in hypoglycemia.
Hypoglycemia can be severe if not treated properly. Thus it is wise to check for the blood glucose level regularly, and to consult a medical expert in case of deviations. Diabetes patients need to take extra care regarding their diet and exercise routines. But most importantly, educating oneself about any health problem is the cleverest thing to do. |