BLOOD SUGER

All cells in the body need some sort of energy source in order to function normally. In fact, without energy, all cells will not only stop functioning, but will also rapidly start dying. Most cells can use a few different forms off energy, such as glucose and fatty acids. The brain, however, uses a single source - glucose. Without a continual supply of glucose to the brain, the neuron cells stop working and start dying, hence the reason that some type 1 diabetics who, for whatever reason, overdose on insulin and are subjected to a low blood sugar coma, suffer permanent brain damage.

The importance of this information is that any dietary process that causes a drop in blood sugar must be addressed immediately, as no one can realistically be expected to perform their daily tasks with poor levels of concentration, mental irritation and generally feeling weak.

To get glucose to the cells many things must happen. Sugar in its raw form is digested in the intestines through a chemical process whereby complex molecules, like fruit sugar (fructose) and milk sugar (lactose), are broken down into more basic molecules, easier to absorb and to transport throughout the body. To ensure that enough glucose is always immediately available to every cell, the body has to keep blood glucose levels steady at all times. If a large quantity of glucose suddenly enters the bloodstream, the body responds immediately by releasing the hormone insulin, which quickly ensures that all new glucose molecules are packed away, either for immediate use, or more commonly, as energy stores for later use. Two store forms of glucose exist, namely ‘glycogen’ inside the liver and muscle cells, and ‘fatty acids’ inside fat cells.

After a meal, when the glucose source has run dry in the intestines and the blood levels start dropping, another hormone called ‘glucagon’ stimulates the release of glucose from the glycogen stores. Other hormones also came to play, including growth hormone, cortisol, adrenaline and the male and female hormones. A fine balance therefore exists, and blood glucose levels are rapidly normalised through this process. But things are usually not that simple…

If a meal contains a large amount of readily absorbable glucose (high glycaemic meal), a large quantity of insulin is released, as blood insulin levels are directly proportional and determined by rising blood glucose levels. This ensures that all excess glucose molecules are quickly removed from the bloodstream and packed away inside the cells. Insulin levels, however, do not immediately adjust to lowering blood sugar levels, as the duration of insulin’s action continues for a while after glucose levels have normalized. This causes blood sugar levels to drop below normal (called hypoglycaemia). Because this condition of ‘low blood sugar’ was originally caused by too much sugar in the system, it is referred to as ‘reactive hypoglycaemia’.

Many nutritional factors affect the hormonal response that lead to hypoglycaemia. Alcohol, strong tea and coffee can all cause or aggravate hypoglycaemia, especially if drunk in excess. Smoking increases the amount of insulin secreted. Thyroid hormone plays an important role in glucose metabolism, and both too much and too little thyroid hormone can contribute. Some forms of medication can cause it and emotional stress may aggravate symptoms. Certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies, especially a chromium deficiency, make people more prone to this condition. In some very rare cases, an insulin-secreting tumour produces too much insulin.

Because brain cells have no reserved energy stores and are totally dependent on a continuous supply of glucose for energy purposes, the first symptoms that are caused by low blood sugar are neurological. Tiredness, drowsiness and lack of concentration are early signs. As the condition progresses, adrenaline is released by the adrenal glands, which makes one irritable and aggressive. A patient may also start to perspire and tremble. A strong desire to eat becomes evident.

Although it may be tempting to relieve the symptoms of low blood sugar by downing a sweet soft drink or eating a chocolate bar, the end result is that a similar response will re-occur within a few hours. This concept is responsible for the fact that many people require the regular intake of sugar to settle their symptoms. This condition is often referred to as ‘sugar addiction’. (Not a real addiction)