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Hypertension

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Hypoxia

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Hypoglycemia

Definition

• Hypoglycemia is a medical term for a lower than normal level of sugar (glucose) in the the blood.

• Hyperglycemia is a medical term for a higher than normal level of sugar (glucose) in the the blood.

Additional Information Hypoglycemia can be a dangerous condition because glucose is the major source of energy for the brain. Lack of glucose, like lack of oxygen, produces brain damage or even death if the deficit is prolonged. Hypoglycemia can occur when one has inadequate glucose intake or if a diabetic injects too much insulin (a hormone that regulates the blood glucose levels). These situations are common in people with diabetes who receive too much insulin or who don't eat enough. Hypoglycemia starts to cause the following symptoms when glucose levels fall below 50 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL): Sweating Shakiness, tremors, convulsions Anxiety, nervousness Pallor, coldness, clamminess Hunger Dizziness, confusion Headache Cloudy vision Abnormal behavior Loss of consciousness Hypoglycemia that is severe enough to cause seizures or unconsciousness can ususally be reversed without obvious harm to the brain. Cases of permanent neurological damage usually involve prolonged, untreated unconsciousness or interference with breathing.

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Books Available

• "Hypoglycemia for Dummies," Second Edition, Paperback, 288 pages, 2007. Estimated price: $11.55. Info and/or order.
• "Hypoglycemia: The Classic Healthcare Handbook" , Paperback, 256 pages, 2002. Estimated price: $12.60. Info and/or order.
• "Do's and Don'ts of Hypoglycemia: An Everyday Guide to Low Blood Sugar" , Paperback, 208 pages, 2003. Estimated price: $10.17. Info and/or order.

MSDS Relevance Certain materials, such as manganese dioxide and ethanol (used as an antidote for ethylene glycol poisoning, among oother uses), can cause hypoglycemia if ingested. Accidental ingestion is a rare route of entry for many chemicals, and usually comes about from poor workplace/laboratory hygiene habits such as eating, drinking or smoking around hazardous chemicals or failing to wear gloves and/or wash hands after handling chemicals. Further Reading The American Diabetes Association has extensive info on Control of Hyperglycemia that includes a training video in addition to loads of information about hypoglycemia and diabetes. The National Diabetes Information Clearing House explains what hypoglycemica is, its symptoms, and causes in people with or without diabetes. It includes tips for eating right. MedicineNet.com provides an in depth article about the symptoms, causes and treatments of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia: Causes, part of a multipage resouce at MayoClinic.com. Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) at eMedicineHealth. See also: Concentration Additional definitions from Google and Onelook.

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Disclaimer: The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate, however ILPI makes no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. ILPI strongly encourages the reader to consult the appropriate local, state and federal agencies concerning the matters discussed herein.