Nocturnal Hypoglycemia — Ultrahuman

Written by Anway Pramanik

Summary:

Nocturnal hypoglycemia refers to blood sugar levels reducing beyond the normal range while you sleep. Research suggests that approximately half of all the phases of declined blood glucose-and more than half of all severe ones-take place at night during sleep. This piece dwells on why you should understand this phenomenon.

Glucose metabolism

is a hormone created by the pancreas that controls the amount of glucose in a person’s bloodstream at any given moment. It helps store glucose in the liver, fat, and muscles, and regulates the body’s metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. After eating, blood sugar levels rise. Insulin released by the pancreas helps the cells to absorb blood sugar for energy and storage. With this absorption, glucose levels in the bloodstream begin to decline. The pancreas then produces glucagon, a hormone that prompts the liver to release stored sugar. This interaction of glucagon and blood sugar ensures stable blood glucose levels in the body and the brain. The cells of individuals who have insulin resistance don’t respond well to insulin, barring glucose from entering them with ease. The glucose level in their blood rises over time even as their body produces more insulin as the cells resolutely resist insulin.

What is hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia is a condition in which the sugar (glucose) levels in the bloodstream drop too low. Everyone’s blood sugar levels are different at times, depending on their fitness and diet, among other factors. However, for most people, a blood sugar level below 70 mg/dL (milligram per deciliter) is considered low. Severe hypoglycemia is labeled as ‘low blood sugar’ when there is excessive insulin in the body.

Originally published at https://blog.ultrahuman.com on November 2, 2021.