The death of influencer and bodybuilding athlete Gabriel Ganley, aged 22, occurred after taking insulina substance that levels blood glucose. Used by bodybuilders to obtain better results in gyms, the hormone stimulates body growth.
Very low glucose levels can interfere with the functioning of — the brain being particularly sensitive — because of energy. To prevent blood glucose levels from falling too far below the usual range, the brain responds by stimulating. Learn everything about hypoglycemia.
What causes
Administration of medication to control diabetes is the most common cause of hypoglycemia, in addition to critical illness, organ failure, reaction to carbohydrates in susceptible people, insulin-producing tumors in the pancreas, and some types of bariatric surgery.
In healthy people, the disorder can be triggered by prolonged fasting — especially for those who practice intense and prolonged physical activity.
Furthermore, the clinical picture may appear in people who consume a lot of alcohol without eating; with advanced liver disease — such as viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, or cancer; babies and children who have a change in the enzyme systems that control glucose.
Pathologies such as chronic kidney disease, heart failure, cancer and sepsis can also cause hypoglycemia, especially in people with serious illnesses.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia
The condition can cause tremors; dizziness or vertigo; weakness and fatigue; nervousness and anxiety; hunger and nausea; anger or sadness; sweats and chills; drowsiness; irritability and impatience; headache; nightmares; crying during sleep; tachycardia; heart beating faster than normal; tingling or numbness in the lips and tongue; and lack of motor coordination.
In extreme situations, hypoglycemia can cause fainting or seizures and requires immediate medical intervention. For diabetics, a severe condition can cause accidents, injuries, coma and even death.
What to do when faced with hypoglycemia
Immediate treatment may include consuming sugar — such as sweets, glucose tablets or sweet drinks, to increase the blood glucose level.
When hypoglycemia is severe or prolonged and it is not possible to take sugar orally, the doctor may administer intravenous glucose to prevent brain damage.
People at known risk for severe hypoglycemic episodes should have glucagon kits to use in an emergency.
The substance stimulates the liver to release large amounts of glucose. It is administered by injection or through a nasal inhaler and normalizes blood glucose levels within five to 15 minutes.
