Is Low Blood Sugar Making You Fat?

Most people know about diabetes, but not so many are familiar with low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. In its most serious form, hypoglycemia can cause seizures and unconsciousness. Research also connects hypoglycemia with weight gain and obesity.

Hypoglycemia is seen most frequently as a side effect of diabetes. It occurs after particularly aggressive insulin treatment pushes blood glucose levels a little too far down. Since blood sugar levels relate to when meals are taken and what foods they include, finding and maintaining a blood glucose level isn't an exact science. There may be wide fluctuations early in treatment, while a doctor strives to find the right dose for their patient. As diet is modified and other factors (such as weight and exercise) are addressed, a diabetic can again experience instances of hypoglycemia throughout their life.

But hypoglycemia may also occur in people without diabetes. Non-diabetic hypoglycemia can crop up in conjunction with certain types of cancers, after vigorous exercise, during pregnancy, as a result of too much alcohol, or as a result of hormonal imbalances. Possible causes include endocrine, renal, or liver disorders. There's no "anti-insulin" treatment available for hypoglycemia, no magic pill or shot to resolve the imbalance. Managing hypoglycemia can only be achieved by managing diet and (sometimes) exercise. In fact, managing obesity and managing hypoglycemia go hand in hand.

The Balance Disconnection

In a normal person, blood sugar levels range about 70-80mcg per 100cc of blood before eating, and rise to about 120-140mcg in the hour following a meal. It's a balancing act. At the low ebb, the body grows hungry; at peak levels, the pancreas releases insulin to prevent blood sugar levels from rising higher. Three or four hours after food intake, sugar levels may fall below that 70-80 mark, at which point the adrenal glands secrete adrenaline to halt the fall. In a healthy body, the cycle is a repetitive pattern of give and take.