Hypoglycemia biological mechanism and symptoms.
Glucose and fatty acids are the main sources for the energy needed for  bodily functions, although protein can be used for this purpose in an emergency situation. When immediate release of energy is needed, glucose is the first fuelthat is consumed. For instance, when the person performs anaerobic exercise, a massive amount of energy is required and this can be obtained by the metabolism of glucose.
Carbohydrates are the dietary sources that provide the necessary amounts of glucose. As soon as carbohydrates are digested, the produced glucose enters the bloodstream and reaches the cells within seconds. However, the cells cannot consume glucose, without the presence of adequate amounts of insulin. In a healthy state, insulin facilitates the use of glucose and the necessary energy is produced. Small amounts of the remaining glucose are stored in muscles and liver as glycogen for further immediate use. The rest of them are converted to fat and stored for longer term requirements.
The need for glucose is constant, since the brain and muscles, including heart, can consume only this type of fuel. Thus, as soon the level of sugar in the blood falls, another pancreatic hormone, known as glucagon, triggers the metabolism of glycogen and more glucose is released into the bloodstream. At the same time more insulin is secreted to help in the use of glucose.
The problem occurs, when there is not enough glycogen to sustain healthy levels of blood glucose. When these levels drop below the normal figures, hypoglycemia occurs.
Of course, as it has been mentioned, fats and proteins can be used for energy production. The difficulty is that the glucose production from fat is far slower than the production from glycogen. Thus, the glucose is not obtained fast enough to cover the urgent requirements.
On the other hand, the prime purpose of protein is to contribute to the maintenance, growth and repair of organs and not to be used for energy production. If the latest happens, it may lead to pathological problems, like muscular or other tissue waste.
Hypoglycemia can also occur if the production of insulin is too much or the amounts of glucagon are not enough to trigger the breakdown of glycogen.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia.
 Neuroglycopenia. The main and most dramatic symptoms of hypoglycemia occur due to the caused brain impaired function. The brain needs constant supply of two things to work properly; oxygen and glucose. Thus, when the blood levels of the latest are not adequate, the organ reduces its function and if the drop is dramatic the brain will get totally inactive, with all the tragic consequences this may involve. The hypoglycemic effects in the brain are described as neuroglycopenia and the severity of them depends on the blood glucose levels. For instance, mental function is compromised, when the lever drops below the 65mg/dL. Basic judgment fails and abnormal actions or movements take place, if the level gets lower than 40mg/dL. Seizures will be the next symptom, if the lever drops further. Coma will occur, as soon as the level reaches the 10mg/dL, since the majority of the neurons will stop working.
Other symptoms of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can also cause weakness, dizziness, hunger,
headache,
general discomfort, uneasiness, ill feeling, confusion, irritability or even aggression, fatigue, nervousness, sleeping difficulty or sleepiness, shakiness, blurry or double vision, anxiousness, paleness, excessive sweating, paralysis, hemiparesis, muscle pains, increased heart rate, difficulty in speaking, memory loss, depression,
lack of concentration,
hallucinations and delirium.
All people do not present the same symptoms, since they depend on how severe hypoglycemia is. Age and perhaps gender may play a role, as well. However, a particular person experiences similar range of manifestations in hypoglycemic incidents.
Hypoglycemia unawareness.
In people, suffering from diabetes for more than twenty or twenty five years, hypoglycemia can occur without the typical signs or without symptoms at all. This happens, because overtime, autonomic neuropathy has developed and the systems of the body do not react properly to give the necessary warnings. This,  in turn, results in a very dangerous situation, since the person may end up with the final stage of hypoglycemia which involves unconsciousness and coma. Very regular monitoring of blood glucose level is the only save measure that can prevent episodes of “secrete” hypoglycemia. |
