Hypoglycaemia Health Dictionary

Low blood sugar. Hyperinsulinism. “The 20th Century Epidemic.” Low blood sugar levels brought about by overstimulation of insulin production by the pancreas.

From food we eat, sugar (glucose) is converted into glycogen which is stored in the liver and muscles. To ensure its removal from the bloodstream to storage areas a balancing mechanism causes the pancreas to produce insulin for this purpose. Exhaustion of the pancreas may follow too frequent release of insulin for reducing high levels of sugar. All symptoms are temporarily relieved by eating sweet foods, chocolate, etc, or by drinking stimulating beverages: tea, coffee, cola, alcohol, etc.

Convincing evidence shows how large amounts of refined and concentrated sugars overwork the pancreas, causing wide swings in blood sugar levels. This is the reverse of diabetes which occurs from a lack of insulin.

Another factor is over-stimulation of the adrenal glands that produce adrenalin which has the power to release stored sugars. When adrenalin is discharged too frequently into the bloodstream the conversion of glycogen to glucose is impaired. This leads to a craving for sweet foods and stimulating beverages.

Symptoms are numerous and often confuse the doctor: constant hunger, tightness in the chest, dizziness, headaches, twitching of limbs, digestive disorders, fatigue, weakness in legs, irritability, migraine, nervous tension, nervous mannerisms, insomnia, memory lapses, phobia – sense of panic, cold sweats. Cold hands and feet, visual disturbances, vague aches and pains and depression.

Life becomes a succession of erratic rises and falls of the blood sugar. Symptoms are worse when the person is passing through a ‘low’ period. All this is reflected upon the sympathetic nervous system and affects the emotional life. A special blood test is carried out to assess the situation; the Glucose Tolerance Test.

Alternatives. To raise low blood sugar levels: Avens, Balmony, Bayberry, Calamus, Centuary, Chamomile (German), Dandelion root, Echinacea, Feverfew, Gentian (Yellow), Ginger, Ginseng, Goldenseal, Holy Thistle, Hops, Horehound (White), Liquorice, Quassia, Southernwood, Betony.

Teas. Chamomile (German), Ginseng, Avens, Centuary, Hops, Betony.

Decoctions. Yellow Gentian (cold infusion), Calamus (cold infusion), Dandelion root (hot infusion), Angustura bark (hot infusion).

Tablets/capsules. Calamus, Dandelion, Ginseng, Goldenseal, Echinacea, Liquorice, Kelp.

Powders. Formula. Balmony 2; Bayberry 2; White Poplar 1; Ginger 1. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) thrice daily, before meals.

Liquid Extracts. Formula. Goldenseal 10ml; Dandelion root 20ml; Holy Thistle 20ml; Cayenne 1ml. 30- 60 drops thrice daily in water before meals.

Tinctures. Same formula, double dose.

Angostura wine. Wineglassful daily.

Diet: Herb teas, juices and mineral water instead of tea, coffee and other drinks containing caffeine. Honey. Wholefoods. Adequate protein intake. Small meals throughout the day. Avoid: alcohol, sugary snacks, white flour and white sugar products.

Supplementation. Daily. B-complex, B6 50mg, E 200iu, C 1g, Chromium 125mcg, Calcium Pantothenate 500mg, Kelp, Lecithin, Zinc.

Notes: Brewer’s yeast tablets contain chromium which assists sugar metabolism. Smoking causes both glucagon and insulin to be released thus aggravating the condition. Diabetics should carry in their pocket some form of sugar against emergency. 

An abnormally low level of glucose in the blood. Almost all cases of hypoglycaemia occur in people with diabetes mellitus, in whom the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin, resulting in an abnormally high level of glucose. To lower the blood glucose level, hypoglycaemic drugs or insulin are given. Too high a dose of either can reduce the blood glucose to too low a level. Hypoglycaemia can also occur if a diabetic person misses a meal or takes strenuous exercise. Rarely, the condition can result from drinking too much alcohol or from an insulin-producing pancreatic tumour.

The main symptoms include sweating, hunger, dizziness, trembling, headache, palpitations, confusion, and sometimes double vision. Behaviour is often irrational and aggressive. Coma may occur in severe cases. Hypoglycaemia may also be the cause of seizures and jittery behaviour in newborns.

Sugar should be eaten at the first sign of a diabetic attack.

An injection of either glucose solution or the hormone glucagon may be given in an emergency.

A de?ciency of glucose in the blood – the normal range being 3·5–7·5 mmol/l (see DIABETES MELLITUS). It most commonly occurs in diabetic patients – for example, after an excessive dose of INSULIN and heavy exercise, particularly with inadequate or delayed meals. It may also occur in non-diabetic people, however: for example, in very cold situations or after periods of starvation. Hypoglycaemia is normally indicated by characteristic warning signs and symptoms, particularly if the blood glucose concentration is falling rapidly. These include anxiety, tremor, sweating, breathlessness, raised pulse rate, blurred vision and reduced concentration, leading – in severe cases – to unconsciousness. Symptoms may be relieved by taking some sugar, some sweet biscuits or a sweetened drink. In emergencies, such as when the patient is comatose (see COMA), an intramuscular injection of GLUCAGON or intravenous glucose should be given. Early treatment is vital, since prolonged hypoglycaemia, by starving the brain cells of glucose, may lead to irreversible brain damage.

n. a deficiency of glucose in the bloodstream, causing muscular weakness and incoordination, mental confusion, and sweating. If severe it may lead to hypoglycaemic coma. Hypoglycaemia most commonly occurs in *diabetes mellitus, as a result of insulin overdosage and insufficient intake of carbohydrates. It is treated by administration of glucose: by injection if the patient is in a coma, by mouth otherwise. See also reactive hypoglycaemia. —hypoglycaemic adj.

lowered blood sugar levels or concentration.