Final answer:
Hypoglycemia is characterized by abnormally low glucose levels in the blood, which can lead to serious health issues due to the brain's dependence on glucose for energy. Careful regulation of blood glucose levels, primarily through the action of insulin, is essential for health, and imbalances can cause hypoglycemia or diabetes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, occurs when the glucose level in the blood falls below the normal range, which can have serious health consequences. The hormone insulin, which is produced by the beta cells of the pancreas, plays a critical role in regulating blood sugar by lowering glucose levels when they are high. However, in individuals with hypoglycemia, the balance of glucose intake, glucose production, and insulin release is disrupted, leading to symptoms such as convulsions, sweating, weakness, tremors, fainting, and in severe cases, coma or death. This happens because the brain relies exclusively on glucose for energy and cannot function properly without it.
Understanding blood sugar regulation is key to managing conditions such as diabetes. In this condition, blood glucose levels can become too high (hyperglycemia) due to insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance, as seen in type 2 diabetes. Conversely, if insulin is overproduced or an individual's dietary glucose is insufficient, it can lead to hypoglycemia. This careful balance of glucose levels in the body is crucial for maintaining overall health.
Normal fasting glucose levels range from 70 to 130 mg/dL, with a rise up to 140 mg/dL after eating, returning to normal shortly after in healthy individuals. But different factors, including hormonal imbalances, medications, and diet, can influence these levels, potentially leading to hypoglycemia.