Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)

Hypoglycaemia is a condition where there is abnormally low glucose levels in the blood. Hypoglycaemia can be caused by oversecretion of insulin by the pancreas, as insulin transports glucose from the blood into cells. As blood glucose drops, stress hormones are activated and they attempt to prevent blood glucose from dropping so dramatically. Fasting hypoglycaemia occurs when a person fasts for 8 or more hours.

Cause: liver disease, tumour of the pancreas, adrenal insufficiency, kidney disease, pancreatitis, smoking and the consumption of large quantities of sugar, chocolate and coffee.

Symptoms of hypoglycaemia: sweating, palpitations, tremors, night sweats, anxiety and hunger, fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, inability to concentrate, confusion, insomnia and weakness of the legs.

Symptoms of fasting hypoglycaemia: seizures, loss of consciousness and loss of mental reasoning.

Who to consult: Dietician, endocrinologist, GP, herbalist, homoeopath, naturopath, psychologist.