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.
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