Tag Archives: hypoglycaemia

New Type 2 diabetes drug

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A NEW drug could slash the risk of heart attacks or strokes for victims of Type 2 diabetes, it has been revealed.

The revolutionary new treatment could help the thousands of patients who do not respond to the commonly used first-line treatment, metformin.

According to an article published online in The Lancet, metformin can become ineffective in the long term for many patients.

Patients are then offered a class of drugs known as sulphonylureas in addition.

However, these drugs can lead to low blood sugar levels, known as hypoglycaemia, and weight gain, putting patients at increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Diabetes

Diabetes

The new drug, linagliptin, results in significantly less weight gain and also less hypoglycaemia, research by experts from Tübingen University Hospital, in Germany, has shown.


In another development, a ground-breaking study has found that stem cells treatment could be used to reverse Type 1 diabetes by restoring natural insulin production.

Diabetic mice were weaned off insulin injections after stem cell transplant and were able to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, says research carried out by New Jersey-based BetaLogics in the US and published in the journal Diabetes.

What is hypoglycaemia ?

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Feeling sick or light-headed when you don’t eat can indicate a condition called hypoglycaemia, which is a low blood sugar level. While most cells in the body can use a variety of nutrients for fuel, your brain needs glucose.

Hormones in the body keep your blood sugar from rising too high or dropping too low but it can vary slightly after meals, strenuous exercise, or periods of fasting. It can occur in some people if they wait too long to eat. Because your brain cells need glucose, the lack of ingested calories accompanied by a falling glucose level triggers a chain of events that cause the symptoms associated with hypoglycaemia – nausea, lightheadedness, palpitations, weakness, nervousness, sweating, intense hunger, headache or irritability.

Some people will never know that their blood sugar level has dropped because, once detected, their bodies make the necessary adjustments. It isn’t clear why others experience symptoms, although some researchers suggest certain people may be more sensitive to the body’s release of some hormones.

Diabetes

Diabetes

In cases of mild hypoglycaemia, the symptoms should stop as soon as you eat or drink – the best choice is something that is easily digested and high in simple sugars or carbohydrates such as a glass of fruit juice or a biscuit. In terms of prevention, try to eat small meals and snacks every three hours.


A diet rich in fruit and vegetables, whole grain foods and legumes is recommended. Usually foods that are high in fibre, such as bran flakes, are a good choice as they are absorbed slowly and help maintain a constant blood glucose level. But if you’re experiencing symptoms midmorning, a lighter breakfast and midmorning snack (a banana or whole-grain crackers and cheese) might be better.

There are other causes of hypoglycaemic symptoms, besides low blood sugar. These include poor circulation, dehydration, stress, and even eating a large meal (which diverts blood to the digestive tract so the blood flow to the brain is reduced). If your symptoms persist you should consult your GP.