What is a Hypoglycemia?

A hypoglycemia or low blood sugar can occur as a result of the treatment of diabetes. Insulin is what usually causes a hypoglycemia, although gliburid, glipizid, glimepirid and repaglinid can also produce it. When blood sugar is under 50-60 mg/dL, the brain sends messages to the glandules to have them produce adrenaline. That produces anxiety trembling, sweating, and sudden hunger informing people to eat in order to raise the blood sugar. A light hypoglycemia can occur as much as 4 or 5 times a week in a person with type 1 well controlled; and should not represent a serious issue.

A more serious hypoglycemia can affect people with long time diabetes since they do not produce adrenaline as a response to a hypoglycemia  By not having symptoms, these people may get unconscious and not understand that their blood sugar is low, so in these cases sugar has to be administered to them.

While the blood sugar goes down, patients may feel confused and eventually lose consciousness. Although this may be terrifying, a full recovery usually takes within 10 and 15 minutes after consuming certain foods (candy, chocolate) or drinks (orange juice, coca cola).

People that have suffered from hypoglycemia's should check their blood sugar before driving.