Hypoglycemia Chronic Fatigue

Hypoglycemia refers to an abnormally low blood sugar level and is often associated with another condition known as chronic fatigue. Chronic fatigue is characterized by an abnormal condition of fatigue, where the affected person feels exhausted continuously. A certain degree of tiredness or fatigue is usually felt by everyone after strenuous physical activity or exercise, which can be overcome by resting for sometime. But chronic fatigue is not alleviated by rest and can be worsened by physical or mental activities. The condition is usually termed as chronic fatigue syndrome, which is characterized by periods of extreme fatigue, followed by brief periods of well-being. Hypoglycemia or low blood pressure, is often a leading cause of chronic fatigue syndrome.

During physical activity or exercise, the blood glucose is utilized by the body to supply energy. This lowers the level of sugar in blood, which in turn induces the adrenal glands to release catecholamines. Catecholamines convert the glycogen stored in the liver to glucose, which restores the blood sugar to normal. But in case of hypoglycemia and chronic fatigue, the glucose produced from glycogen, again stimulates the secretion of insulin, which further lowers the blood sugar level.

Besides fatigue, some other symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome include muscle and joint pain, memory loss, poor concentration, mental confusion, fever, digestive problems, swelling of the lymph gland, etc. On the other hand, the common symptoms of hypoglycemia are fatigue, anxiety, sweating, hunger, a craving for sweets, palpitation, loss of memory, weakness, irritability, fainting and confusion. In severe cases, low levels of sugar in the blood can also lead to seizures.

Other than hypoglycemia, chronic fatigue syndrome can also be caused by nutritional deficiency, excessive use of antibiotics, parasitic, fungal and viral infections, alcoholism, drug, tobacco abuse and acquired toxicity from the environment, food or drugs.

Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, is usually of two types, the first one is characterized by a sudden and sharp decrease in blood sugar. This usually occurs after a heavy meal, which stimulates the pancreas to release a large amount of insulin that lowers the blood sugar level considerably. The second type of hypoglycemia is caused by the depletion of the stored sugar in the liver, which slowly lowers the blood sugar level.

There can be several causes of hypoglycemia, ranging from liver damage, a malfunctioning pancreas, excess or inadequate secretion of hormones, adrenal fatigue, etc. Stress and insulin resistance are some other important causes of hypoglycemia. Stress is associated with the depletion of vitamin B and C, which are required for the proper functioning of adrenal glands and so can cause hypoglycemia. On the other hand, in case of insulin resistance, the cells do not respond properly to insulin. This stimulates the pancreas to produce a large amount of insulin to lower the level of blood sugar. Over a period, cells do start responding to insulin, but by that time an excess amount of insulin has been secreted, which reduces the blood sugar to a very low level.

Hypoglycemia is often associated with chronic fatigue. So, in the absence of any other condition that can lead to chronic fatigue, physicians usually look for hypoglycemia as a possible cause. In addition to proper medical treatment, consumption of a balanced diet is also important, as in many instances, chronic fatigue is caused by nutritional deficiencies. The ideal diet for hypoglycemia and chronic fatigue patients includes complex carbohydrates, lots of proteins and sufficient amounts of fat. They should, however, avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates.