The Effects of Hypoglycemia on Perception and Learning Processes

Abstract

Glucose homeostasis requires the tight regulation of glucose utilization by liver, muscle and fat tissue, and glucose production and release in the blood by liver. The major goal of maintaining glycemia at similar to 90 mg/dl is to ensure a sufficient flux of glucose to the brain. Activation or inhibition of the sympathetic or parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous systems are controlled by glucose-excited or glucose-inhibited neurons located at different anatomical sites, mainly in the brainstem and the hypothalamus.