$Unique_ID{BRK00650}
$Pretitle{Endocrine Glands and Metabolism}
$Title{What Kind of Risks are Children With Hypoglycemia Subject To?}
$Subject{diabetes hypoglycemia sugar}
$Volume{C-25}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Kind of Risks are Children With Hypoglycemia Subject To?


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QUESTION:  One of my grown children has just admitted to me that he is
suffering from hypoglycemia.  I have heard that this is a serious condition.
What kind of risks is my son subject to?

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ANSWER:  Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, describes a deficiency of glucose
in the bloodstream (fasting hypoglycemia), or a condition in which the body
reacts to sugars in the diet by absorbing them too quickly and then producing
an excess of insulin (postprandial, or "after-eating" hypoglycemia).  The
condition can also result from excessive self-administration of insulin by a
diabetic.
     Fasting hypoglycemia can be caused by insulin-producing tumors in the
pancreas, called insulinomas, or other tumors capable of creating insulin-like
compounds.  Advanced cases of liver disease, alcoholism, or even the strains
of marathon running can also trigger the condition.
     The symptoms a hypoglycemic individual may display depend upon many
factors, including the person's age and the kind of hypoglycemia they are
experiencing, but may include anxiety, heart palpitations or quickened
heartbeat and sweating, progressing to ataxia (uncoordinated muscle activity),
confusion, convulsions and coma.  Severe or prolonged hypoglycemia can lead to
brain hemorrhaging and death.
     The good news is that the condition is easily treated:  fasting
hypoglycemia is counteracted by eating sugar rich foods in the proper amount,
while postprandial cases must be managed by replacing large meals with
frequent smaller ones, and avoiding concentrated carbohydrates.  Surgery may
be required to remove insulinomas or related tumors.
     Certain hypoglycemic individuals must be instructed in monitoring their
own blood sugar levels in order to keep their glucose within normal range.  By
pricking a finger, applying blood to a test strip and checking it with a
special meter or comparing it with a color chart they can instantly determine
their current blood sugar level.  As the symptoms last only a short time, it
is important to test blood sugar as quickly as possible during a hypoglycemic
episode in order to find out just how severe the problem may be.  With a bit
of education, and careful attention to managing the problem, your son should
do just fine.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
