Hypoglycia Notes
Notes by Jurriaan Plesman BA(Psych), Post Grad Dip Clin Nutr
ALWAYS DISCUSS WITH YOUR DOCTOR.
Hypoglycia is an illness closely related to Hypoglycemia, in that it is characterised by similar symptoms as Hypoglycemia (as explained here) but is not due to pre-diabetic Insulin resistance.
The normal production of biological energy called ATP is explained in this image.
In hypoglycemia there is a failure to produce biological energy as a result of insulin resistance:
Carbohydrates —> defective Insulin resistance —> Abnormal Glucose —> affecting Glycolysis —> and Citric Acid Cycle (Kreb Cycle) —> ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is insufficient ---> inadequate biological energy to produce feel-good neurotransmitters ---> Mood disorders. → Graph
Hypoglycemia results in the secretion of stress hormones by the adrenal glands (adrenaline and cortisol), that function to convert glucose stores in the body - glycogen - back into glucose. This will replenish the glucose supply to the brain on which it is completely dependent. Without glucose as its major source of biological energy (ATP) the body is unable to manufacture the various feel-good neurotransmitters and hormones. It is the overproduction of stress hormones, that drive people to abuse tranquilizing drugs and is also responsible for the low self-esteem - leading to depression or anxiety - that inevitably accompanies any metabolic disorder.
In Hypoglycia, in contrast to hypoglycemia, there is an obstruction in the ten step Glycolysis which interferes with normal production of biological energy ( ATP). It leads to the same kind of adverse symptoms as in insulin resistance. See Image. This phenomenon is also discussed in my book “Getting off the Hook” at page 18. In hypoglycia we see:
Carbohydrates —> Insulin —> Glucose (normal) —> Abnormal Glycolysis —> anomalous Kreb Cycle —> Insufficient ATP to manufacture feel good neurotransmitters.
This is usually due to a deficiency of zinc or excess copper, which should be in balance. See Dr George Samra
In other words, if you have normal scores in Dr George Samra’s test for hypoglycemia, but you still suffer from mood disorder or other unexplainable stresses - as shown in home tests - you could have hypoglycia. This cannot be treated by the hypoglycemic diet alone. This would also interferes with the production of biological energy, which is crucial in the production of feel-good neurotransmitters and healthy hormones.
Another disease, namely insulinoma[1], may also result in hypoglycemic or diabetic symptoms, but is not necessarily due to lifelong excessive consumption of sugar. This should always be referred to an endocrinologist.
There is a way of testing hypoglycia by supplementing with GLYCERINE, also known as Glycerin, or glycerol. If this relieves the symptoms it may be an indication that you have hypoglycia although not insulin resistance. Glycerine (glycerol) enters the ten step glycolysis as phosphoglyceraldehyde (See image) and therefore bypasses insulin secretion to enable ATP production in the Citric Acid Cycle (Kreb Cycle).
Therefore, if you suffer from hypoglycemic symptoms although your medical test is normal, your symptoms may be due to hypoglycia. You may then have a look at you zinc/copper levels or other possible factors that interfere with the metabolic pathway in glycolysis.
Another disease that has almost identical hypoglycemic effects is Hypothyroidism and here which by interfering with energy production can also affect one’s emotional state of mind. See here. In a medical Glucose Tolerance Test it results in a flat curve glucose levels over time. It contributes to obesity, which is one of the triggers for anorexia. This naturally leads to the treatment of hypothyroidism, medically and nutritionally.
As explained in my book Getting off the Hook at page 18, heavy metal intoxication interferes with the production of acetyl-Coa, necessary for pyruvate to enter the Krebs Cycle for energy production (ATP). Hence heavy metal intoxication can also lead to the same “hypoglycemic symptoms”.
In fact, one can state with with certain amount of confidence, that any non-hypoglycemic disease - whether heavy metal intoxication, Crohn’s Disease[2], Celiac Disease[3], Ulcerative Colitis[4], Irritable Bowel Syndrome[5] or any other digestive disorder, as mentioned in Silent Diseases and Mood Disorders, they all seem to interfere with the production of biological energy - ATP - so vital in the manufacture of feel good neurotransmitters and hormones.
Another illness with Hypoglycemia symptoms is known as Glycogen Storage Disease which can be treated by Consumption of Cornstarch See: PubMed Studies But discuss with doctor.
This can cause hypoglycemic symptoms as shown in the list of the various forms of Glycogen Storage Diseases (breakdown of glycogen synthesis) as shown at: Wikipedia
A notorious non-hypoglycemic illness is Pyrrole disorder, or at Index. Another candidate is Heavy metal intoxication.
In order to pinpoint the problem, clients are advised to always consult a doctor or Nutritional Doctor or other complementary healthcare professional, capable of diagnosing the problem by various tests. See: Looking for Complementary Health Practitioners
For more search internet for: Articles written by Jurriaan Plesman
______________O_____________
[1] Insulinoma is a tumor of the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans; although usually benign, it is one of the chief causes of hypoglycemia.
[2] Crohn's Disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines, especially the colon and ileum, associated with ulcers and fistulae.
[3] Celiac disease in which the small intestine is hypersensitive to gluten, leading to difficulty in digesting food.
[4] Ulcerative colitis (Colitis ulcerosa, UC) is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis is a form of colitis, a disease of the colon (the largest portion of the large intestine), that includes characteristic ulcers, or open sores. The main symptom of active disease is usually constant diarrhea mixed with blood, of gradual onset. This is often confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
[5] Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or spastic colon is a symptom-based diagnosis. It is characterized by chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, and alteration of bowel habits. Diarrhea or constipation[1] may predominate, or they may alternate (classified as IBS-D, IBS-C, or IBS-A, respectively).