Diagnostic procedures are equally debated. In the opinion of some experts, the five or six hour glucose tolerance test is a reliable and conclusive way to diagnose hypoglycemia. Other experts feel this test is not only unreliable but also harmful. Another expert believes that in some individuals it is not how low the blood sugar level goes, but the speed at which it drop that causes symptoms.

Regardless of the experts differing opinions on the causes of hypoglycemia, most agree on the treatment. A commonly prescribed diet for hypoglycemia is the high protein, low carbohydrate diet.

How Diet Has Changed
Carbohydrates, fats and proteins in varying proportions, are the three basic nutrients obtained through foods. Our basic diet throughout history has changed. Mankind started with a diet that was high in protein because we were hunters and fishermen. Then the diets changed to natural complex carbohydrate foods such as grains, seeds, nuts, vegetables, fruits and dairy products, with a little meat, and fish and then to a diet that include some meat and large amounts of simple carbohydrates such as sugar and refined flour.

The Effect of Sugar in Our Diet
If you find yourself going through a morning slump or dragging in the afternoon, and reaching for a cup of coffee, a cookie or candy to give yourself a pick up, you may be suffering from hypoglycemia.

Our body uses sugar as the fuel to obtain heat and energy. Sugar is needed for all muscle actions, especially for our nerves and brain. When we eat sugar. in the form of natural carbohydrates such as grains, vegetables, potatoes, fruits, bread and beans, our blood and tissues usually contain only the amount of, sugar needed for normal function.

These complex carbohydrates are changed into glucose, which is absorbed slowly through the wall of the small intestine and then carried to the liver where it is, converted into glycogen and stored.

When our body needs sugar the glycogen is reconverted into a glucose and transported by the blood to the areas of the body where it's needed.

When we eat food with refined, white, commercially produced sugar, which is absorbed almost instantaneously through the membranes of the mouth, and stomach, causing a sudden rush of glucose into the bloodstream causing a large strain on the pancreas, liver, adrenals and other endocrine glands.

Occasional ingestion of excess sugar can be handled by the pancreas. The pancreas destroys the excess sugar by releasing insulin into the blood stream. However, excess sugar in the diet, and on a regular, basis strains and may damage the body's sugar regulating organs, causing them to function abnormally, which may be, a major contributing factor to the development of hypoglycemia.

The excessive insulin, not only brings the sugar level down, but it lowers the sugar level much too fast and far below normal. When this happens it may be responsible for unpleasant symptoms and personality changes. The heart and the muscle action are weakened and the brain and nerve activity are deranged. An individual's energy and endurance level is lowered and emotional stability is lost. At this point, a hypoglycemic will crave a quick pick.

If they choose sweets, caffeine or alcohol, the blood sugar level will go up, but it will raise the sugar level too high and they are again forced to overreact and counteract this .by overproducing insulin, creating a vicious cycle for the hypoglycemic.

While their sugar level is high, they are hyperactive, energetic and happy for a short time. But then they become totally exhausted, confused and sad a short time later when they again experience a rapid drop in blood sugar level.

Medical conditions that can cause hypoglycemia
· Tumors of the pancreas
· Adrenal insufficiency
· Liver problems
· Pancreatitis
· Excessive exercise and/or anorexia.

Other Factors That Contribute to Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia can stem from many problems, and is an early warning sign of diabetes. If somebody is suddenly feeling fatigued, a constant fatigue that is pervasive or has increased thirst and more frequent urination, it may be a tip to early diabetes.
Certain foods that contribute to hypoglycemia are: alcohol, smoking, caffeine, excessive amounts of colas, simple sugars and chocolates.
Organic hypoglycemia accounts for about one percent of all cases of low blood sugar.

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