What is Hypoglycemia or Low Blood Sugar?

Hypoglycemia is a condition known as low blood sugar. It is not a disease but rather a sign of a health problem that comes with many symptoms. If you are hypoglycemic, it means you are a person with abnormally low levels of blood sugar. Blood sugar below 70 mg/dL is considered low. A hypoglycemic person is opposite of a diabetic person. Someone with diabetes has abnormally high levels of blood sugar. Let's break it down!

The body needs glucose to function properly. Glucose supplies your body's cells and brain with the energy it needs to thrive. The endocrine gland responsible for the release of insulin is the pancreas. The pancreas is responsible for the production and release of insulin to keep your blood sugar level within normal range and converting glucose to glycogen. Glycogen is stored in the liver and muscles for later use.

An overworked, weakened pancreas or live can result in low blood sugar and eventually high blood sugar, better known as diabetes. After years of pancreas abuse - processed foods, refined sugar, lack of exercise, lack of nutrition - the pancreas becomes weak and malfunctions. It will begin to produce too much or too little insulin because in this condition your blood sugar level can never be maintained. In a hypoglycemic person this causes constant highs and lows. A sudden rise of blood sugar, an overproduction of insulin, followed by a severe drop in blood sugar. Here are a few FAQS to get you started:

What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?

There are numerous hypoglycemia symptoms, many of which can be interchangeable with another underlying illness or condition and many of which you may not even be in tune with. Here is a list of symptoms most common in people with low blood sugar and conditions most related:

Symptoms
Dizziness
Blurry vision
Fatigue, tired no matter how much sleep you get
Foggy brain
Confusion
Inability to concentrate
Forgetfulness
Weakness
Hot flashes
Leg cramps
Inability to sleep
Intense hunger
Palpitations
Shakiness and trembling

Conditions
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Fibromyalgia
Hypothyroidism
Adrenal Fatigue


How did I get low blood sugar?

There are various reasons why you may be experiencing low blood sugar. Your diet, activity level, medications, and family history play a vital role in hypoglycemia. The most important aspect of preventing and/or treating hypoglycemia is the diet. What you eat and how your body processes the foods you eat can lower or raise your blood sugar or keep it balanced.

How do I treat hypoglycemia?

Diet is the #1 way to treat hypoglycemia. The resources within this blog will help you treat and/or prevent hypoglycemia but most importantly our goal is to cure the actual problem rather than simply treat symptoms in the short-term. Keep digging through the pages, read the articles, blog posts, and comments. Review the links. You will find that there is a wealth of information here and we'll keep adding to it daily.

How do I help a loved one with hypoglycemia?

This is a question that I'd hope anyone with a loved one or even a friend or co-worker in this health condition would ask. Hypoglycemia if left untreated can transition into diabetes and worse, death. The best thing you can do is gain the knowledge you need to provide good recommendations on lifestyle, diet, and exercise. Share this resource with your loved one and provide your support in any way possible. They need you!

*This article/blog post will be updated as new information is learned.