Summary about Disease
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, occurs when the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood drops below normal. Glucose is the body's main source of energy. While often associated with diabetes treatment (specifically insulin or certain oral medications), hypoglycemia can also occur in people without diabetes due to various factors. Severe hypoglycemia can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hypoglycemia can vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:
Shakiness
Sweating
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Hunger
Irritability or anxiety
Confusion
Rapid heartbeat
Blurred vision
Weakness or fatigue
Headache
Difficulty concentrating
Seizures (in severe cases)
Loss of consciousness (in severe cases)
Causes
Diabetes Medications: The most common cause is a side effect of medications used to treat diabetes, particularly insulin and sulfonylureas. Too much medication, skipping meals, or increased physical activity without adjusting medication can lead to hypoglycemia.
Skipping or Delaying Meals: Not eating enough food or delaying meals can cause blood sugar to drop.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can interfere with the liver's ability to release glucose into the bloodstream.
Intense Exercise: Prolonged or strenuous exercise can deplete glucose stores.
Certain Medical Conditions: Rarely, hypoglycemia can be caused by conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, hormone deficiencies (e.g., adrenal insufficiency), tumors that produce insulin (insulinomas), or after bariatric surgery.
Reactive Hypoglycemia: This occurs a few hours after eating, possibly due to the body releasing too much insulin after a meal.
Medicine Used
For mild to moderate hypoglycemia: Fast-acting carbohydrates are used to raise blood sugar levels quickly. These include:
Glucose tablets or gel
Fruit juice (4 ounces)
Regular (non-diet) soda (4 ounces)
Hard candies (e.g., Life Savers)
Honey or sugar (1 tablespoon)
For severe hypoglycemia (unconsciousness or inability to swallow):
Glucagon injection: This is a hormone that stimulates the liver to release stored glucose. It is typically administered by a family member or caregiver.
Intravenous glucose: Given by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Underlying cause treatment: If a medical condition is causing hypoglycemia, treating that condition is essential.
Is Communicable
No, hypoglycemia is not communicable. It is not caused by an infectious agent and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
For people with diabetes:
Monitor blood sugar levels regularly.
Follow a consistent meal schedule and carbohydrate intake.
Adjust medication dosages as needed, under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Carry a source of fast-acting carbohydrates (glucose tablets or gel) at all times.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace indicating that you have diabetes.
Educate family members, friends, and coworkers about how to recognize and treat hypoglycemia.
For people without diabetes:
Eat regular, balanced meals.
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, especially on an empty stomach.
If experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia, consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.
How long does an outbreak last?
Hypoglycemia is not an outbreak. Individual episodes of hypoglycemia are typically short-lived, resolving within minutes of consuming fast-acting carbohydrates or receiving glucagon. However, if the underlying cause is not addressed, episodes can recur.
How is it diagnosed?
Blood glucose test: A blood sample is taken to measure the blood glucose level. A level below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) is generally considered hypoglycemic.
Medical history and physical exam: The healthcare provider will ask about medical history, medications, diet, and symptoms.
Whipple's triad: This is a set of criteria used to diagnose hypoglycemia:
Symptoms consistent with hypoglycemia
Low blood glucose level at the time of symptoms
Resolution of symptoms when blood glucose level is raised
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of hypoglycemia symptoms can vary depending on how rapidly the blood sugar drops and individual sensitivity. Generally, symptoms progress in the following order: 1. Early symptoms: Shakiness, sweating, hunger, anxiety, rapid heartbeat. 2. Intermediate symptoms: Confusion, irritability, dizziness, weakness, blurred vision. 3. Severe symptoms: Seizures, loss of consciousness. The progression can be rapid, occurring within minutes, or slower, over a period of hours.
Important Considerations
Hypoglycemia can be dangerous and requires prompt treatment.
Individuals with diabetes should work closely with their healthcare provider to manage their blood sugar levels and prevent hypoglycemia.
People without diabetes who experience recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia should seek medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause.
It is crucial to educate family members and caregivers about how to recognize and treat hypoglycemia, especially in individuals with diabetes or other medical conditions that increase the risk of low blood sugar.