Hypoglycemia

//Western Diagnosis// low plasma glucose level

Etiology
1. abnormal hepatic glucose output 2. abnormal increases in glucose uptake 3. drugs 4. fasting - many causes - metabolic, tumors, immune 5. reactive - possibly early NIDDM

Signs & Symptoms
1. mostly reactive and occur as glucose levels drop between meals 2. hunger, fatigue 3. sweating 4. nervousness, faints, palpitations 5. shakiness 6. HA 7. confusion, depression 8. crying spells, fits of anger, inappropriate behavior 9. visual disturbance, stupor, coma, seizures

Diagnosis
1. clinical 2. plasma glucose <50 mg/dl 3. GTT - controversial

Treatment
if underlying cause, treat that a. diet --- complex CHO --- small frequent meals - 5 or 6 /day --- avoid alcohol b. chromium c. tx adrenals and liver d. exercise
 * reactive**