Non diabetic hypoglycemia.
Typically, hypoglycemia occurs in diabetics. However, it can affect people
 who do not suffer
from the disease. The types of non diabetic hypoglycemia are two and they include the reactive hypoglycemia, which may take place after meals, and the fasting hypoglycemia. Although reactive hypoglycemia is not commonly associated with any underlying disease, fasting hypoglycemia is. Thus, treatment of the latest must aim the causative condition.
Reactive hypoglycemia is more common in women and statistics show that affects nearly thirty percent of the female population.
The causative factors of reactive hypoglycemia have not been identified yet. It is well known that epinephrine promotes the supply of the brain with glucose. There is a broad belief that impaired function of the adrenal glands, which produce the hormone, can be responsible for reactive hypoglycemia. Other specialists believe that reactive hypoglycemia can occur due to inadequate glucagon production.
Excessive drinking and alcoholism can be a cause of fasting hypoglycemia. Uncommon enzymatic deficiencies, like hereditary fructose intolerance, which were identified in the past can be proved causative factors of fasting hypoglycemia. Other causes or risk factors for non diabetic fasting hypoglycemia include the use of certain medications, like aspirin, sulphonamides, pentamidine and quinine, dialysis and premature birth for the infant. Deficiencies in biotin, pyridoxine, cortisol, growth hormone, glucagon or epinephrine can lead to fasting hypoglycemia as well. It may also be caused by a range of other conditions, such as critical liver disorders, pancreatic disease, heart problems, stroke, anorexia nervosa, renal dysfunction, glycosuria and the development of insulinoma which is a tumor in pancreas producing excessive amounts of insulin.
Symptoms of non diabetic hypoglycemia.
Symptoms of both types resemble the symptoms of diabetic hypoglycemia. These symptoms may be hunger, nervousness, perspiration, shakiness, dizziness, headache, sleepiness, confusion, difficulty in speaking, anxiousness or weakness.
In reactive hypoglycemia, symptoms appear within four hours after a meal.
Treatment of non diabetic, reactive hypoglycemia.
Many small meals rather than few and massive ones is the best way for a person to prevent reactive hypoglycemia episodes. The meal plan should include sources that provide proteins and fats (poultry, meat, fish), carbohydrates (rice, potatoes, bread) and other micronutrients, like vitamins and minerals (vegetables, fruits and low-fat dairy products). Foods high in fiber are recommended, as well. There is a speculation that carbohydrates and especially plain sugars should be taken in very limited amounts or totally avoided, since they provide unnecessary calories rather than helping in prevention of non diabetic reactive hypoglycemia. On the contrary, increased intake of protein appears to be more beneficial. Many experts do not advocate this theory and they believe that more clinical studies are required, before they recommend diets high in protein. After all it is well acknowledged that excessive protein intake can burden the function of kidneys.Whatever the diet plan is, it would be far more effective if it is combined with regular physical activity.
Diagnosis of non diabetic, fasting hypoglycemia.
Blood tests can easily help in diagnosis fasting hypoglycemia. Usually the blood glucose levels found are from 50 to 90mg/dL if the blood sample is taken after strenuous aerobic exercise or before breakfast.
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