Hypoglycemia

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Hypoglycemia is a health condition in which the blood sugar level is abnormally low. Glucose is the energy source of the body’s metabolic system, and its production is regulated by a hormone called insulin. This condition refers to low blood sugar levels, mostly in diabetic patients and newborns. However, there may be nondiabetic hypoglycemia or hypoglycemia without diabetics. Read More

Top Doctors For Hypoglycemia Treatments

Top Hospitals For Hypoglycemia Treatments

Hypoglycemia

What is Hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia is a health condition in which the blood sugar level is abnormally low. Glucose is the energy source of the body’s metabolic system, and its production is regulated by a hormone called insulin. This condition refers to low blood sugar levels, mostly in diabetic patients and newborns. However, there may be nondiabetic hypoglycemia or hypoglycemia without diabetes. What causes the condition are drug effects and liver damage, among others. There are management and emergency treatments that can help the condition.

Hypoglycemia
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Causes

causes of hypoglycemia
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Attempts to step down the high blood sugar level in a diabetic person most times results in side effects that lead to low sugar (glucose) level in the blood due to the medication. 

Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels fall too low. Other causes may include the following: 

  • Effects of drugs on kidney failure, 
  • Excess alcohol consumption on the liver from producing glucose, and 
  • Any disorder that affects the liver, heart, or kidney.
  • Long-term starvation
  • Hormone deficiencies
  • Insulin overproduction. 

The hormone insulin lowers blood sugar levels when sugar is too high. In Type1 and Type2 Diabetes, insulin is needed to control the blood sugar. Taking more insulin than needed can cause the sugar levels to drop remarkably low, leading to hypoglycemia. Insulinoma and other tumors can cause hypoglycemia.

Symptoms

symptoms of hypoglycemia
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When blood sugar levels become too low, some of the associated symptoms can be observed, which include:

  • Fatigue,
  • Anxiety and nervousness, 
  • Frequent feelings of hunger,
  • Fast irregular heartbeat,
  • Excessive sweating,
  • Paleness of the skin,
  • Irritability,
  • Insensitivity of the lips, tongue, cheeks, etc.

And in acute situations:

  • Seizures,
  • Loss of consciousness,
  • Blurred vision,
  • Confusion,
  • Abnormality in behavior.

It is important to note that not all persons with hypoglycemic symptoms have diabetes. Only in rare situations patients with nondiabetic hypoglycemia can be found.

How is hypoglycemia diagnosed?

Diagnosis of hypoglycemia
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The doctor will examine the patient completely whenever the patient approaches the doctor. The doctor will inquire about the patient’s medical and family history. In order to confirm hypoglycemia, the doctor will advise the patient to undergo a couple of blood tests. They include:

  • Monitor the blood sugar levels. If the blood sugar level is <70mg/dl. Then it is a state of hypoglycemia. 
  • Mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT) test is done to check for reactive hypoglycemia.  

How is hypoglycemia treated?

hypoglycemia treatment
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Management:

  • Check the blood sugar levels regularly with a blood glucose meter (a small device that measures and displays the blood sugar levels).
  • Fast or drink mostly sugar or carbohydrates. Pure glucose (found in tablets, gels, and other forms). Don’t take diet soft drinks.
  • Fatty food doesn’t raise blood sugar quickly.
  • One tablespoon (15ml) of sugar, corn syrup or honey, hard candy, or jelly beans is food.
  • Check the blood sugar level 15 minutes after eating or drinking something to treat hypoglycemia. If the blood sugar level is still too low, eat or drink something sugary again.
  • The patient may take a reduced dose of insulin to ensure that the blood sugar levels don’t rise too quickly.
  • Note that high blood sugar levels increase the risk of long-term diabetes complications if the patient takes an insulin dose often.

Emergency Treatment:

Glucagon hormones raise blood sugar levels quickly. Glucagon is available only by prescription. It comes in an emergency syringe kit or as a nasal treatment.

  • If the patient has frequent and severe hypoglycemia, despite medication and adjustment, keep the blood sugar level in a higher range than the normal range.
  • Use a continuous glucose monitor and have glucagon with the patient at all times.
  • Sometimes, people don’t have or don’t recognize the early symptoms of hypoglycemia. People diagnosed with this condition and unaware of it should keep their blood sugar at a higher level than the normal range. It is also important that such people check their blood sugar consistently before bed and have carbohydrate-rich snacks before going to sleep.
  • Always carry a hypoglycemic treatment (gels, glucose tablets, hard candy) with them.

What is the difference between hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia?

Hyperglycemia is the high sugar (glucose) level in the blood, which often results in diabetes mellitus. However, hypoglycemia is the low sugar level in the blood that often occurs in diabetic patients.

FAQ

Is hypoglycemia a sign of diabetes?

Diabetes may be associated with hypoglycemia. Extremely high insulin or other diabetes medication may cause the blood sugar levels to drop considerably, and hypoglycemia occurs. 
In rare cases, there can be hypoglycemia without diabetes. Hypoglycemia also occurs if the patient eats less than usual after taking doses of diabetes medication or if the patient exercise more than usual.

What is a hypoglycemic attack?

Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar. It occurs when a glucose level in the blood falls below normal (70mg/dL or 3.9mmol/L). It can also occur if the patient takes diabetes medication that increases insulin levels in the blood.

What happens to the brain during hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia commonly causes brain fuel deprivation which results in functional brain failure. This can be corrected by stepping up plasma glucose levels.

What foods should make up the table of a hypoglycemic person?

The dietary plan of a hypoglycemia patient should include the following:
1)       Protein; chicken, fish, tofu, beans, etc.
2)       Whole-grains
3)       Salads and vegetables
4)       Fluids, especially water.

What can mimic symptoms of hypoglycemia?

The following conditions can show symptoms suggestive of hypoglycemia: 
1)       Bone cancer
2)       Brain cancer
3)       Diabetes Mellitus
4)       Cataracts
5)       Amenorrhea
6)       Food poisoning
7)       Glaucoma
8)       Atherosclerosis
9)       Tumors such as insulinoma.

What are the most common complications of hypoglycemia if left untreated?

The complications associated with this condition are:
a) Dizziness and excessive sweating
b) Weakness
c) Greater risk of dementia in adults
d) Seizures
e) Coma
f) Death

How can hypoglycemia be prevented?

The best way to prevent hypoglycemia is to detect hypoglycemia at an early stage and get treated. Have regular follow-ups with the doctor and monitor the blood sugar level regularly, snack regularly, and fuel during exercise. The patient should check their blood sugar level 
a) check before and after meals
b) check before and after exercise
c) check before bed
d) often check if things around the patient change, such as a new insulin routine, a different work schedule, an increase in physical activity, etc. [1]

Can someone have hypoglycemia without diabetes?

Yes, very rarely can someone have hypoglycemia without diabetes. Studies have still been going on regarding the exact cause of hypoglycemia [2].

References

  1. https://diabetes.org/healthy-living/medication-treatments/blood-glucose-testing-and-control/hypoglycemia
  2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11647-hypoglycemia-low-blood-sugar