Hypoglycemia Research Paper

1290 Words6 Pages
Hypoglycemia is defined in our book as an abnormal low blood glucose concentration. The condition called hypoglycemia is literally translated as low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar (orblood glucose) concentrations fall below a level necessary to properly support the body's need for energy and stability throughout its cells. When carbohydrates are eaten, they are converted to glucose that goes into the bloodstream and is distributed throughoutthe body. Simultaneously, a combination of chemicals that regulate how our body's cells absorb that sugar is released fromthe liver, pancreas, and adrenal glands. These chemical regulators include insulin, glucagon, epinephrine (adrenalin), and andnorepinephrine. The mixture of these…show more content…
Any abnormalities in the effectiveness of any one of the regulators canreduce or increase the body's absorption of glucose. Gastrointestinal enzymes such as amylase and lactase that breakdown carbohydrates may not be functioning properly. These abnormalities may produce hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia,and can be detected when the level of glucose in the blood is measured. Cell sensitivity to these regulators can be changed in many ways. Over time, a person's stress level, exercise patterns,advancing age, and dietary habits influence cellular sensitivity. For example, a diet consistently overly rich incarbohydrates increases insulin requirements over time. Eventually, cells can become less receptive to the effects of theregulating chemicals, which can lead to glucose intolerance. Diet is both a major factor in producing hypoglycemia as well as the primary method for controlling it.Diets typical ofwestern cultures contain excess carbohydrates, especially in the form of simple carbohydrates such as sweeteners, whichare more easily converted to sugar. In poorer parts of the world, the typical diet contains even higher levels ofcarbohydrates. Fewer dairy products andmeats are eaten, and grains, vegetables, and fruits are consumed. This dietarytrend is balanced, however, since people in these cultures eat smaller meals and usually use carbohydrates more efficiently through physical
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