E16: Other disorders of pancreatic internal secretion

E16.1: Other hypoglycaemia

The body's cells need sugar to get energy. We take sugar from food via the intestines. The sugar gets from there to the blood. The sugar level in every person’s blood thus increases after eating. The pancreas produces the messenger substance insulin. Insulin ensures that the sugar from the blood is absorbed into the cells. After eating, the pancreas releases more insulin into the blood. As a result, the sugar level in the blood drops back after eating.

Diabetes medication, for example, can cause the blood sugar level to be too low. But an unusual amount of exercise or eating too little can also cause there to be too little sugar in the blood. Various disorders can also cause the blood sugar level to drop too sharply.

If the blood sugar level is too low, it may result in sweating, trembling and inner agitation. You may experience a ravenous appetite and vomiting. If the sugar supply to the brain is inadequate, you can become confused or have problems speaking, for example. If the blood sugar level is too low, you can also pass out.