Scientists from University of Cambridge studied the rare and life-threatening form of hypoglycaemia. According to the scientists, the findings are helpful in formulating pharmaceutical treatments for such a rare condition.

The life-threatening severe hypoglycaemia is caused by a mutation in AKT2 genes, which acts as the translator to insulin, according to Cambridge researchers.

Severe Hypoglycemia

Glucose is a substantial source of energy required by the body. Every after meal, the glucose-- which is sourced from carbohydrates-- is absorbed into the bloodstream and disseminated throughout the cells in the body. The pancreas secretes the hormone, insulin, to help those cells in the body absorb glucose for conversion to energy. When too much glucose is produced, it is stored by the body in the form of glycogen, which is later used in between meals for energy.

A simple hypoglycemia occurs when the blood sugar levels drop low. Its severe form happens when the blood sugar levels plummet way below the normal levels, and which are already life-threatening.

The Health Dangers of Severe Hypoglycemia

Severe hypoglycaemia is described by physicians as an emergency condition. When blood sugar levels abruptly plunged into life-threatening levels, it can lead to fatal condition like mental confusion, unconsciousness, seizures, shock and even death.

Hypoglycemia afflicts more sufferers of type 1 and 2 diabetes. It can affect anybody who makes drastic and sudden changes in their diet, alcohol consumption and exercise levels. People who are taking too much insulin or pills for diabetes are also vulnerable to hypoglycaemia.

Monitoring the blood glucose regularly is part of diabetes management. Common symptoms of hypoglycaemia include irritability, hunger, weakness or trembling in muscles, headache or lightheadedness, lack of concentration, and tearful or having nightmares. However, researchers warn some individuals do not experience any symptoms until they fall into unconsciousness, not knowing their blood glucose levels have already dropped low. People who have diabetes disorder but remain unaware of such are susceptible too.

Treatment

Researchers at University of Cambridge explained that in three children they studied that suffered from severe hypoglycaemia, they found out a mutation in AKT2 gene, which is always constantly turned on. This means that although insulin is not present in the blood, it acts as though the insulin is always present. The consequence, of course, is lowering the blood sugar levels.

With this finding, Professor O' Rahilly, the head of the research team in University of Cambridge said there will be a pharmaceutical treatment available next year to cure this dangerous condition. Their findings were published on Journal Science on Oct 7, 2011.