Updated May 18, 2006

Epinephrine

The "fight or flight" hormone that gives us a quick boost of extra energy to cope with danger—including the danger of low blood sugar. When blood sugar levels drop too low, the adrenal glands secrete epinephrine (also called adrenaline), causing the liver to convert stored glycogen to glucose and release it, raising blood sugar levels. Epinephrine also causes many of the symptoms associated with low blood sugar, including rapid heart rate, sweating, and shakiness. The epinephrine response spurs the liver to correct low blood sugar or at least raise blood sugar levels long enough for a person to consume carbohydrate.

Emotions such as fear or excitement also trigger the release of epinephrine and the racing heart and sweaty palms that come with it.

This article was written by Robert S. Dinsmoor, a Contributing Editor of Diabetes Self-Management.

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