Hypoglycemia: Difference between revisions
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Hypoglycemia is a medical disorder defined by low glucose levels in the blood. Glucose is the major source of energy for the cells of the body, and untreated hypoglycemia can result in a variety of symptoms and consequences | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
[[File:Glucose test.JPG|thumb|Glucose test]] | | name = Hypoglycemia | ||
== | | image = [[File:Hypoglycemia.jpg|250px]] | ||
| caption = A person experiencing hypoglycemia may feel shaky, sweaty, and anxious. | |||
| field = [[Endocrinology]] | |||
| synonyms = Low blood sugar, insulin reaction | |||
| symptoms = [[Sweating]], [[tremor]], [[hunger]], [[confusion]], [[seizures]], [[loss of consciousness]] | |||
| complications = [[Seizures]], [[loss of consciousness]], [[brain damage]] | |||
| onset = Sudden | |||
| duration = Variable | |||
| causes = [[Diabetes mellitus]], [[insulinoma]], [[alcohol consumption]], [[starvation]], [[hormonal deficiencies]] | |||
| risks = [[Diabetes]], [[alcoholism]], [[malnutrition]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Blood glucose]] test | |||
| differential = [[Anxiety disorder]], [[epilepsy]], [[stroke]] | |||
| prevention = Regular meals, monitoring blood sugar levels | |||
| treatment = [[Glucose]] tablets, [[intravenous]] glucose, [[glucagon]] injection | |||
| medication = [[Glucagon]], [[dextrose]] | |||
| prognosis = Good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Common in people with [[diabetes]] | |||
}} | |||
Hypoglycemia is a medical disorder defined by low glucose levels in the blood. Glucose is the major source of energy for the cells of the body, and untreated hypoglycemia can result in a variety of symptoms and consequences. | |||
[[File:Glucose test.JPG|left|thumb|Glucose test]] | |||
== Introduction == | |||
Hypoglycemia, commonly referred to as "'low blood sugar"', occurs when the glucose concentration in the blood goes below the usual range. When fasting, blood glucose levels are normally kept within a narrow range of 70 to 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), but they can rise to 140 mg/dL after a meal. Individual thresholds may vary, but hypoglycemia is commonly diagnosed when blood glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dL.ref>Cite journal |title=Hypoglycemia |journal=American Family Physician |date=2013-10-01 |volume=88 |issue=8 |pages=525–530 |pmid=24364635/ref> | Hypoglycemia, commonly referred to as "'low blood sugar"', occurs when the glucose concentration in the blood goes below the usual range. When fasting, blood glucose levels are normally kept within a narrow range of 70 to 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), but they can rise to 140 mg/dL after a meal. Individual thresholds may vary, but hypoglycemia is commonly diagnosed when blood glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dL.ref>Cite journal |title=Hypoglycemia |journal=American Family Physician |date=2013-10-01 |volume=88 |issue=8 |pages=525–530 |pmid=24364635/ref> | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
Hypoglycemia has numerous potential causes, including: | Hypoglycemia has numerous potential causes, including: | ||
* People with [[Type 1 diabetes|type 1]] or [[Type 2 diabetes|type 2]] who take insulin or other glucose-lowering medications are at risk for hypoglycemia if their glucose levels are not properly managed. | * People with [[Type 1 diabetes|type 1]] or [[Type 2 diabetes|type 2]] who take insulin or other glucose-lowering medications are at risk for hypoglycemia if their glucose levels are not properly managed. | ||
* Fasting or skipping meals: Extended fasting or skipping meals can result in hypoglycemia due to a decline in blood glucose levels. | * Fasting or skipping meals: Extended fasting or skipping meals can result in hypoglycemia due to a decline in blood glucose levels. | ||
| Line 15: | Line 33: | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
Depending on the severity of the ailment and the individual's response, hypoglycemia symptoms might vary. Typical symptoms include: | Depending on the severity of the ailment and the individual's response, hypoglycemia symptoms might vary. Typical symptoms include: | ||
* Tremor or shaking | * Tremor or shaking | ||
* Chilly sweats | * Chilly sweats | ||
| Line 28: | Line 45: | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Hypoglycemia is diagnosed by observing clinical signs and measuring blood glucose levels. Typically, a blood glucose test is conducted with a fingerstick blood sample and a glucose meter. The diagnosis of hypoglycemia is verified if the blood glucose level is below the normal range and the individual is having symptoms consistent with low blood sugar. | Hypoglycemia is diagnosed by observing clinical signs and measuring blood glucose levels. Typically, a blood glucose test is conducted with a fingerstick blood sample and a glucose meter. The diagnosis of hypoglycemia is verified if the blood glucose level is below the normal range and the individual is having symptoms consistent with low blood sugar. | ||
In certain instances, additional tests, including as hormone level testing, liver or kidney function tests, or imaging examinations, may be performed to diagnose the underlying cause of hypoglycemia. | In certain instances, additional tests, including as hormone level testing, liver or kidney function tests, or imaging examinations, may be performed to diagnose the underlying cause of hypoglycemia. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
The basic objective of hypoglycemia treatment is to restore normal blood glucose levels. Depending on the degree of hypoglycemia and the individual's overall health, various treatment options exist: | The basic objective of hypoglycemia treatment is to restore normal blood glucose levels. Depending on the degree of hypoglycemia and the individual's overall health, various treatment options exist: | ||
* Moderate to moderate hypoglycemia can be treated by consuming 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbs, such as glucose gel, fruit juice, or ordinary soda. Blood glucose levels should be retested after 15 minutes, and if levels remain low, additional carbohydrates should be consumed.ref>Cite journal |title=Treatment of Hypoglycemia in Nondiabetic Adults |journal=The Journal of Family Practice |date=2016-07-01 |volume=65 |issue=7 |pages=467–473 |pmid=27474823/ref> | * Moderate to moderate hypoglycemia can be treated by consuming 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbs, such as glucose gel, fruit juice, or ordinary soda. Blood glucose levels should be retested after 15 minutes, and if levels remain low, additional carbohydrates should be consumed.ref>Cite journal |title=Treatment of Hypoglycemia in Nondiabetic Adults |journal=The Journal of Family Practice |date=2016-07-01 |volume=65 |issue=7 |pages=467–473 |pmid=27474823/ref> | ||
* If the individual is unconscious or unable to consume carbohydrates in a safe manner, a healthcare professional may provide an injection of glucagon or intravenous glucose. | * If the individual is unconscious or unable to consume carbohydrates in a safe manner, a healthcare professional may provide an injection of glucagon or intravenous glucose. | ||
* Hypoglycemia can be prevented by regularly monitoring blood glucose levels, modifying medication dosages, eating balanced meals, and avoiding excessive alcohol intake. | * Hypoglycemia can be prevented by regularly monitoring blood glucose levels, modifying medication dosages, eating balanced meals, and avoiding excessive alcohol intake. | ||
==Complications== | ==Complications== | ||
If left untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to serious complications, including: | If left untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to serious complications, including: | ||
* [[Seizure]]s | * [[Seizure]]s | ||
* [[Coma]] | * [[Coma]] | ||
| Line 46: | Line 58: | ||
* [[Death]] | * [[Death]] | ||
It is essential for individuals at risk of hypoglycemia to recognize the early symptoms and seek prompt treatment to avoid severe consequences. | It is essential for individuals at risk of hypoglycemia to recognize the early symptoms and seek prompt treatment to avoid severe consequences. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Diabetes mellitus]] | * [[Diabetes mellitus]] | ||
Latest revision as of 04:31, 7 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Hypoglycemia | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Low blood sugar, insulin reaction |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Sweating, tremor, hunger, confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness |
| Complications | Seizures, loss of consciousness, brain damage |
| Onset | Sudden |
| Duration | Variable |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Diabetes mellitus, insulinoma, alcohol consumption, starvation, hormonal deficiencies |
| Risks | Diabetes, alcoholism, malnutrition |
| Diagnosis | Blood glucose test |
| Differential diagnosis | Anxiety disorder, epilepsy, stroke |
| Prevention | Regular meals, monitoring blood sugar levels |
| Treatment | Glucose tablets, intravenous glucose, glucagon injection |
| Medication | Glucagon, dextrose |
| Prognosis | Good with treatment |
| Frequency | Common in people with diabetes |
| Deaths | N/A |
Hypoglycemia is a medical disorder defined by low glucose levels in the blood. Glucose is the major source of energy for the cells of the body, and untreated hypoglycemia can result in a variety of symptoms and consequences.
Introduction[edit]
Hypoglycemia, commonly referred to as "'low blood sugar"', occurs when the glucose concentration in the blood goes below the usual range. When fasting, blood glucose levels are normally kept within a narrow range of 70 to 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), but they can rise to 140 mg/dL after a meal. Individual thresholds may vary, but hypoglycemia is commonly diagnosed when blood glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dL.ref>Cite journal |title=Hypoglycemia |journal=American Family Physician |date=2013-10-01 |volume=88 |issue=8 |pages=525–530 |pmid=24364635/ref>
Causes[edit]
Hypoglycemia has numerous potential causes, including:
- People with type 1 or type 2 who take insulin or other glucose-lowering medications are at risk for hypoglycemia if their glucose levels are not properly managed.
- Fasting or skipping meals: Extended fasting or skipping meals can result in hypoglycemia due to a decline in blood glucose levels.
- Alcohol can inhibit the ability of the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream, resulting in low blood sugar levels.
- Several drugs can cause hypoglycemia as a side effect, including quinine and sulfonylureas.
- Hypoglycemia can be caused by a number of medical disorders, including adrenal or pituitary insufficiency, hypothyroidism, and liver or kidney illness.
Symptoms[edit]
Depending on the severity of the ailment and the individual's response, hypoglycemia symptoms might vary. Typical symptoms include:
- Tremor or shaking
- Chilly sweats
- tachycardia is a condition characterized by a rapid heart rate.
- Headaches
- Vertigo and/or lightheadedness
- impaired vision
- Confusion or concentration issues
- irritability or alterations in mood
- Weakness or weariness
- Seizures or loss of consciousness are symptoms of epilepsy.
Diagnosis[edit]
Hypoglycemia is diagnosed by observing clinical signs and measuring blood glucose levels. Typically, a blood glucose test is conducted with a fingerstick blood sample and a glucose meter. The diagnosis of hypoglycemia is verified if the blood glucose level is below the normal range and the individual is having symptoms consistent with low blood sugar. In certain instances, additional tests, including as hormone level testing, liver or kidney function tests, or imaging examinations, may be performed to diagnose the underlying cause of hypoglycemia.
Treatment[edit]
The basic objective of hypoglycemia treatment is to restore normal blood glucose levels. Depending on the degree of hypoglycemia and the individual's overall health, various treatment options exist:
- Moderate to moderate hypoglycemia can be treated by consuming 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbs, such as glucose gel, fruit juice, or ordinary soda. Blood glucose levels should be retested after 15 minutes, and if levels remain low, additional carbohydrates should be consumed.ref>Cite journal |title=Treatment of Hypoglycemia in Nondiabetic Adults |journal=The Journal of Family Practice |date=2016-07-01 |volume=65 |issue=7 |pages=467–473 |pmid=27474823/ref>
- If the individual is unconscious or unable to consume carbohydrates in a safe manner, a healthcare professional may provide an injection of glucagon or intravenous glucose.
- Hypoglycemia can be prevented by regularly monitoring blood glucose levels, modifying medication dosages, eating balanced meals, and avoiding excessive alcohol intake.
Complications[edit]
If left untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to serious complications, including:
It is essential for individuals at risk of hypoglycemia to recognize the early symptoms and seek prompt treatment to avoid severe consequences.
See also[edit]
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| Disease of the pancreas and glucose metabolism | ||||
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| Clinical biochemistry blood tests (CPT 82000–84999) | ||||||||
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