Signs of Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is also called low blood glucose or low blood sugar. It is a medical condition that occurs when blood glucose drops to an abnormally low level. Glucose is the body's main energy source; when the level drops, so does the body's ability to function properly. Hypoglycemia isn't a disease on its own, but it is an indicator of another health problem.

Signs and Symptoms

• Hypoglycemic signs and symptoms vary from person to person. It is important for individuals to know the signs for their condition so they can treat it properly. Signs include heart palpitations, shaking, anxiety, nervousness, dizziness, sleepiness, confusion, sweating, weakness and hunger. It is possible for hypoglycemic episodes to occur while a person is asleep. Those signs include crying out or having nightmares, excessive sweating, and tiredness, irritability or confusion upon waking.

Causes

• People with diabetes may experience hypoglycemic episodes as a side effect to some medications or the combination of medications. Diabetics may also have hypoglycemic tendencies because of insufficient or prolonged lapses between meals and snacks, increased physical activity level or the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Diagnosis

• A three-part exam called Whipple's triad is used to diagnose hypoglycemia. First, a patient fasts the night before the testing so hypoglycemic symptoms will occur when needed. A prolonged fast at a hospital may be scheduled if symptoms do not occur during the initial testing. Next, blood removed from the patient while symptoms occur is analyzed at a laboratory. Finally, a physician will look for the ceasing of symptoms when the blood glucose level rises. Also, a complete physical examination, including full disclosure of medical history, will occur to help the physician confirm hypoglycemia and determine the potential cause.

Treatment

• Short-term treatment immediately raises the blood sugar level when signs appear. This could include consuming sugar in the form of candy, fruit juice or glucose tablets. More severe symptoms rendering the person unable to take the necessary sugar by mouth could result in an intravenous glucose or glucagon injection. For frequent, severe hypoglycemic episodes, consult a physician about obtaining a home glucagon kit. Long-term prevention of recurrent hypoglycemia depends on the underlying reason for the condition. A doctor might change medication or alter dosage if the underlying reason is medication. If the reason is a pancreatic tumor, a doctor might surgically remove it. Partial removal of the pancreas might result for patients with nesidioblastosis, or the enlargement of the pancreatic cells that create insulin.

Warning

• Hypoglycemic episodes left ignored could result in seizures, loss of consciousness and even death. However, when diabetes is the cause for hypoglycemia, great caution needs to be given so the blood sugar level isn't raised too much. Overcompensation could increase the blood sugar to dangerous levels and cause possible damage to the nerves, blood vessels and some organs. For questions regarding hypoglycemia, contact a physician.