Research Excerpts:

"Excess sugar in the diet on a regular basis strains and may damage our
body's sugar-regulating organs, causing them to function abnormally,
which may be a major contributing factor to the development of
hypoglycemia. The excessive insulin not only brings the sugar level
down, but it lowers the sugar level much too fast and far below normal.
When this happens it may be responsible for unpleasant symptoms and
personality changes.

The heart and muscle action are weakened and the brain and nerve
activity are deranged. An individual's energy and endurance level is
lowered and emotional stability is lost. At this point, a hypoglycemic
will crave a quick pick-up. If they choose sweets, caffeine or alcohol,
the blood sugar level will go up, but it will raise the sugar level too
high and the pancreas is again forced to overreact and counteract this
by over-producing insulin, creating a vicious cycle for the
hypoglycemic. While their sugar level is high, they are hyperactive,
energetic and happy for a short time. But then they become totally
exhausted, confused and "bonkers" a short time later when they again
experience the rapid drop in blood sugar level.


Other Factors That Contribute to Hypoglycemia

The malfunction of the sugar level regulating organs may be caused by
factors such as emotional and physical stresses, allergies, alcohol,
caffeine, smoking, nutritional deficiencies, overeating, and drugs.
Imbalances in secretions of hormones from the pituitary and thyroid may
also be responsible.

Studies have shown that caffeinated coffee drastically lowers a
hypoglycemic's blood sugar level. Coffee has a stimulating effect on the
adrenal glands that, in turn, encourages the liver to release more sugar
into the blood. Combining coffee and sugar is especially harmful. Sugar
enters the bloodstream quickly and directly. Coffee adds to the total
sugar level by acting through the adrenals, brain and liver. Cola drinks
are also harmful due to the combination of caffeine and sugar.

Alcohol can also induce hypoglycemia. Almost all alcoholics are
hypoglycemic. A hypoglycemic can become an alcoholic when they get
caught in the vicious cycle of drinking to improve their sense of
well-being and to feel symptom free from low blood sugar. The
uncomfortable symptoms experienced with a "morning after" hangover
displays all the classic symptoms of hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar can
become a chronic condition because alcohol reduces the output of glucose
by the liver which may exaggerate low blood sugar. When an alcoholic
stops drinking, he usually substitutes sweets because they are able to
achieve the same "high."

Emotional stress can cause hypoglycemia and is characterized by a "flat
glucose-tolerance curve." Flat curve hypoglycemia has a devastating
effect on a person's life. When an individual finds no challenge and no
sense of accomplishment in pursuing their unpleasant, unrewarding, and
inescapable duties, their body responds to the situation with feelings
of aimlessness, disinterest, and a loss of zest for life. They lack
motivation, are bored, experience constant fatigue and feel half alive.

These symptoms are experienced when the adrenals and pancreas are weak
and do not work in coordination with each other. This creates a chronic
low-grade cerebral starvation. Flat-curve hypoglycemia is not dramatic
or extreme. However, if left untreated, it may develop into a more
serious case of hypoglycemia or into diabetes. It can be treated with
lifestyle changes, dietary therapy and psychological counseling.
Individuals with this condition often go undiagnosed because they don't
feel sick and don't seek treatment.

Smoking has also been shown to cause a rapid rise in blood sugar with
just as rapid a drop shortly after the cigarette is put out. Nicotine
has been identified as the culprit. A smoker must totally stop in order
to return their blood levels to normal and eliminate their symptoms"

Hypoglycemia may aggravate or initiate allergies and allergies may cause
hypoglycemia. When an individual is exposed to allergens, they may
experience a significant drop in blood sugar levels. Allergic reactions
to food or nonfood allergens like perfume, auto exhaust, pesticides,
chemical odors and food additives trigger the body's defensive
mechanisms and cause the blood sugar levels to drop.

http://www.womenshealthconnection.com/articles/hypo.htm