What does rebound hypoglycaemia involve?

Rebound hypoglycaemia refers to a physiological response where the body experiences low blood glucose levels, often after an intense exercise or stressful situation, followed by a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. This occurs when the body reacts to the initial dip in glucose by releasing stored glucose into the bloodstream, typically from the liver, leading to a spike in blood sugar levels.

It is important to understand that this process is often regulated by hormones, including glucagon and adrenaline, which are released in response to low glucose levels and facilitate the release of glucose into the bloodstream. Therefore, the phenomenon accurately describes a cycle of low blood sugar being followed by a compensatory increase, which is characteristic of rebound hypoglycaemia. This distinguishes it from other options which do not accurately capture this physiological response.