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Hypoglycemia(Low Blood Glucose; Low Blood Sugar)
by
Rick Alan DefinitionHypoglycemia is a low level of glucose in the blood. Glucose is your body's main source of energy. Low levels make it hard for your body to work as it should. This will cause a wide range of problems. CausesDiabetes medicine is a common cause of hypoglycemia. Things that can increase the risk of hypoglycemia with the medicine include: Hypoglycemia can also happen in people without diabetes. This is less common. It may be caused by:
Risk FactorsThings that may increase the chance of hypoglycemia while taking diabetes medicine are:
SymptomsSymptoms may start slowly or quickly. It may cause:
As hypoglycemia worsens, it may cause:
Sensitivity to low blood glucose may change over time. Early symptoms may start to fade if you have a lot of events. This will make it harder to feel when glucose starts to fall. DiagnosisThe doctor may suspect hypoglycemia based on your health and symptoms. Glucose levels can be measured with a quick blood test. A device pricks a finger to draw a drop of blood. A machine will measure the glucose in the blood drop. Other tests may need to be done if you do not have diabetes. This may include checking your blood glucose levels after fasting. TreatmentTreatment will bring blood glucose levels back to normal. Other steps may be needed to keep it from happening again. Quick care can stop further health problems. Mild HypoglycemiaLow blood sugar can be increased quickly with:
A snack or meal can then help to keep levels stable. Severe HypoglycemiaVery low levels can make someone pass out. Immediate care is needed. Treatment may include:
Care will be given until blood glucose is stable. Managing Future EventsHypoglycemia may happen again in those at risk. To lower risk of more events:
PreventionFollowing treatment plan may help prevent some hypoglycemia. RESOURCES:American Diabetes Association http://www.diabetes.org Hypoglycemia Support Foundation http://hypoglycemia.org CANADIAN RESOURCESCanadian Diabetes Association http://www.diabetes.ca Health Canada https://www. canada.ca References:Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose). American Diabetes Association website. Available at:
https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/medication-management/blood-glucose-testing-and-control/hypoglycemia. Accessed February 12, 2021.
Hypoglycemia in diabetes. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hypoglycemia-in-diabetes/. Accessed February 12, 2021.
Hypoglycemia in persons without diabetes. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/approach-to/hypoglycemia-in-adults-approach-to-the-patient-without-diabetes. Accessed February 12, 2021. Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia).
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at:https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/low-blood-glucose-hypoglycemia. Accessed February 12, 2021. Last reviewed February 2021 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Marcin Chwistek, MD Last Updated: 2/12/2021 | |