Effect of Caffeine on Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is a medical syndrome, which is caused due to low blood sugar. The symptoms suggesting hypoglycemia may differ from one person to another and so does its severity. Generally, hypoglycemia is diagnosed by a low blood sugar count, with symptoms that resolve only when the sugar level returns to its normal range. Though patients without any metabolic issues also complain about symptoms suggesting hypoglycemia, it is mainly found in people suffering from diabetes. It is observed that people who have insulin resistance may also suffer from low sugar levels on several occasions. It happens when their high circulating insulin levels are challenged further by an extended period of fasting.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia

Though symptoms suggestive of hypoglycemia may vary from one individual to another and most people develop it in the mid 50’s. Neuro-generic symptoms are the first to set in, as it is closely related to the nervous system’s response to hypoglycemia. Some of the common symptoms of hypoglycemia that patients may experience include palpitation, nervousness, weakness, sweating, hunger pangs, anxiety, trembling, nausea and vomiting. Besides there are also neuro-glycopenic manifestations like impaired judgement, personality change, irritability, apathy, dizziness and difficulty in speaking.

Mostly, the symptoms are recognized easily. People suffering from this clinical syndrome complain about the hunger pangs they feel. The symptoms are read as warning signs. They provide a person with the opportunity to increase the level of blood glucose before the brain gets affected. Diabetic patients also complain about hypoglycemia when they are on medication or insulin.

Effect of caffeine on hypoglycemia:

Studies suggest that caffeine increases hypoglycemia. Caffeine causes hypoglycemia through the activation of the adrenal glands and its affect on the nervous system, which causes constriction of blood vessels.

Besides, it also decreases circulation to the brain and low blood sugar level, even if the value is below the normal range. It affects both mental and physical performance of a person in an adverse manner. When a person suffers from hypoglycemia, caffeine aggravates the craving for food, often fatty and fried foods with a lower glycemic index that further increases the hypoglycemic effect.

It is advisable that people suffering from or those who are susceptible to problems with blood sugar level regulation should avoid consumption of caffeine, as it contributes to the insulin resistance, increased blood sugar levels, high levels of blood cholesterol and lipids as well as increased risks of cardiovascular disease.

Nutrition professionals support people with problems regulating blood sugar levels by guiding them through the procedure of replacing the caffeine intake with some non-caffeinated, alkaline herbal coffee that tastes like coffee. Carbonation interferes with digestion and caffeine transmits the food from the stomach into the intestines.

Hypoglycemia patients generally suffer from stomach disturbances. A well balanced nutrition can reduce lot of discomfort and the details can be found in Hypoglycemia: A Nutritional Approach By Louise Tenney, Louise Tenney, M.H Published 1989 Woodland Publishing Consumer Health.

Studies suggest that the body can protect itself from hypoglycemia. The brain senses the drop as soon as the circulating level of blood glucose falls. The brain then sends the message, which in turn leads to a number of events like hormonal changes and responses within the nervous system. Then the secretion of insulin decreases and hormones promoting higher blood glucose levels like cortisol and glucagon increase.

For more information visit www.TruthAboutCaffeine.com or www.CaffeineAnonymous.org