Hypoglycemia is, at its most basic, low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia is not a disease unto itself, but rather a condition. It is usually an indicator of an underlying health problem. With an awareness of the symptoms of hypoglycemia and proper diet and medical management, the individual that suffers from the condition of hypoglycemia can lead a happy and productive life.

More on Hypoglycemia
An individual that is hypoglycemic has an abnormally low level of blood sugar. This blood sugar is known as glucose. Without proper blood sugar levels, your body doesn't have enough energy for normal body activities such as brain function, respiration and proper cardiac function. Hypoglycemia can be the result of many things such as a reaction to medication, an underlying disease, hormonal or enzyme deficiencies or tumors.
You body takes in sugars through diet. Carbohydrates are the main source of these sugars. Milk, cereals, fruit, bread, potatoes and rice are all foods high in carbohydrates. These foods are broken down by your digestive system and the glucose is then absorbed into the blood stream where it is carried to the cells where it is used for energy. Your pancreas produces a hormone, insulin, which aids the cells with glucose uptake. Extra blood sugar is stored in the liver in the form of glycogen. In order to use this glycogen, the body signals the pancreas to produce a hormone called glucagon. Glucagon then signals the liver to break down the glycogen to glucose and release it into the blood stream so the body can use the glucose for energy. Individuals who suffer from low blood sugar, usually diabetics, there is impairment in this process. This can result in symptoms ranging from the mere bothersome to outright life threatening.

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia
Symptoms of low blood sugar [hypoglycemia] include:
Coma
Altered level of consciousness
Difficulty speaking
Anxiousness
General Weakness
Perspiration
Hunger
Irritability
Dizziness

Treatment of Hypoglycemia
One of the first steps in treatment of hypoglycemia is recognition of the symptoms. If an individual is having any of these symptoms they should consult their physician. You can then begin the process of management of this condition and the underlying cause. Early treatment of an individual with hypoglycemia consists of raising the blood sugar level before the condition endangers the individuals life. As long as the patient is able to swallow, treat by:
Giving the patient a glass of fruit juice with a spoonful of sugar mixed in.
Have the patient suck on a piece of hard candy.
A patient who has had this condition may have a tube of glucose on hand. Have the patient take the contents of this tube orally. Remember this course of treatment is only for conscious patients who have an intact gag reflex.
For an unconscious patient or one with a severe alteration in their level of consciousness, or one that is extremely combative, call 911. An individual in this condition can have serious complications including brain damage and even death.

Living with Hypoglycemia
Long term treatment includes lifestyle awareness, medications and treatment of underlying causes. With proper awareness and recognition, the person that suffers from a hypoglycemic condition can manage this condition so they can lead a happy, productive life.

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