Can infection cause hypoglycemia?

Are you feeling tired, sluggish, and experiencing unusual sweating? Well, before your mind starts taking a trip to ‘Dr. Google’, have you ever stopped to think that it could be an underlying symptom of hypoglycemia caused by infection? Yes! It may sound like a stretch, but it’s true. Read on as we take an in-depth look into how infection can cause hypoglycemia.

What is Hypoglycemia?

Before diving deep into the world of infections causes for hypoglycemia, let’s first understand what exactly is this condition? Hypoglycemia occurs due to low blood sugar levels and occurs mainly in people who are diabetic or premature infants with low blood sugar levels around birth.

Some of the common symptoms include:

  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Sweating
  • Shakiness

So next time when your body hints at any of these signs, do not mistake them for PMS.

Causes of Hypoglycaemia

As I mentioned earlier about diabetics being prone to hypoglycaemic episodes. But there are other reasons why one can suffer from low blood sugar including:

Excessive Alcohol Intake

I know parties and hangouts seem incomplete without some shots pero amigo this habit contributes greatly towards creating hypoglycaemic episodes.

Side Effects Of Medications And Insulin Therapy

From steroids prescribed by doctors during tough phases of illness up till insulin therapy alternative routes side effects aren’t fun!

Missed meals often lead to stomach growls.

Your food diary is quite essential when talking about health conditions because well IT’S WHAT YOU EAT ALL DAY!!

And last but not least…

Infections Are Culprits Too!

Yes!! You read that right! Even minor infections such as a cold, flu or urinary tract infection can give rise to blood sugar fluctuations. With that being said, let’s first understand how infections work in our body before we link them with low blood sugars.

How Do Infections Work?

Infections are caused by microorganisms that enter your body and occupy your cells. They tend to multiply and then stimulate the immune system, which results in inflammation.

It’s like having uninvited guests at your house and instead of leaving after overstaying their welcome they ‘infest’ themselves cozily onto the furniture!

The Relationship Between Infection And Low Blood Sugars!

Infections affect glucose metabolism because it is controlled by stress hormones from the adrenal gland while also increasing insulin resistance (I know sounds sciency no? That’s why you’ve got me) Moreover,
– Some forms of infections increase metabolic rate
– Lead to an impairment in gluconeogenesis (a process where new glucose is formed from simpler substances)

Resulting changes can cause hypo…what now? Hypoglycemia!!

Common Types Of Infections And Their Relationship To Hypoglycemia

Now let us talk about infections that have been shown to be associated with hypoglycemia:

Urinary Tract Infection

E.coli normally lives within our intestinal walls but sometimes cross over into our private quarters leading to an unwanted party! Once settled it starts disturbing proteins responsible for energy production thereby making sugar release unpredictable thus HARD TO BALANCE!

Be careful during sex people!!

Nasopharyngitis aka Cold

Yepppp COVID has taken a toll on us all physically, mentally BUT FINANCIALLY! But one should not forget other viruses/bacterias out there ready to attack regardless NEITHER does CHILLY WEATHER FAIL US !!!

Nasopharyngitis/Cold makes insulin less effective meaning high levels of glucose buildup which then would lead to sudden low blood glucose levels!!!

Gastroenteritis aka Stomach Flu

Puking, diarrhea what on earth could be more dreadful and embarrassing?

We try our best not to express disgust after letting a bomb go off in the toilet…well fun fact carbohydrates ingested making their way through the small intestine… BUT when infected white cells start fighting back glycemic shift takes place resulting in hypoglycemia.

In conclusion:

Infections are ninja-like-uncalled-for enemies for your body but they can also be connected with hypoglycemia which is both dangerous and undermining! One must take care of his or her diabetes patients during times of illness so that terrible hypos won’t make us regret having those burgers late at night.

Stay safe people!! Don’t forget hygiene is important even if you don’t see it beyond masks. 🙂

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