Hypoglycemia? - Answers

Hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar, occurs when the blood glucose concentration decreases below normal levels. It is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, especially in individuals taking insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents. Other causes of hypoglycemia include certain medications (e.g., sulfonylureas, meglitinides, alcohol), liver disease, kidney failure, adrenal insufficiency, insulinoma, and inborn errors of metabolism. Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia include:

- Shakiness

- Sweating

- Hunger

- Irritability

- Confusion

- Headache

- Fatigue

- Palpitations

- Anxiety

- Blurred vision

- Tingling or numbness of the lips, tongue, or fingers

- Seizures

- Loss of consciousness Diagnosis of hypoglycemia involves measuring the blood glucose concentration. A fasting blood glucose level less than 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) is generally considered hypoglycemia. However, symptoms may occur at higher glucose levels in individuals with diabetes. Treatment for hypoglycemia is aimed at rapidly raising the blood glucose level. This can be done by:

- Consuming 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets, honey, or fruit juice

- Drinking 4 ounces of regular soda (not diet soda)

- Eating a piece of hard candy or chewing gum containing sugar

- If the person is unconscious, glucagon can be administered intramuscularly or intravenously. Prevention of hypoglycemia includes:

- Regular meals and snacks

- Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption

- Careful monitoring of blood glucose levels in people with diabetes

- Adjusting medication doses as needed

- Education about hypoglycemia and its management