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Insulin - Brain Cells
Dependent on Glucose |
Carbs in Food |
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Information About Carbs | Carbohydrates Guide | Low Carb Diets |
Insulin, the Brain and HypoglycemiaUnlike other cells which can use other fuels for a period of time (eg. fatty acids), brain cells are dependent on glucose as a source of energy. Also unlike muscle or adipose (fat) tissue, brain cells do not need insulin to absorb glucose. Not surprisingly, therefore, the initial effect of abnormally low glucose levels is reduced functioning of the central nervous system, giving rise to dizziness, disorientation and even loss of consciousness. This condition is known as hypoglycemia or, in severe cases producing unconsciousness, hypoglycemic coma or "insulin shock." The vast majority of insulin shock cases are caused by accidental mis-administration of insulin by diabetes patients, who either ate too little, or exercised too much, or gave themselves too much insulin. The typical treatment for hypoglycemia is the administration of glucagon. See Glucagon and Hypoglycemia |
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