How to regulate hypoglycemia

Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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If hypoglycemia occurs repeatedly, it is necessary to go to the hospital for an examination to rule out some diseases that may cause hypoglycemia. If no apparent diseases are found after the examination, self-regulation can be considered. The methods for self-regulation include the following: Firstly, pay attention to a reasonable diet, eat regularly, balance meat and vegetables, and develop good eating habits without excessive dieting. Secondly, persist in exercising to strengthen the body, enhance physical fitness, improve immunity, and reduce the occurrence of hypoglycemia. Lastly, develop good living habits, ensure adequate sleep, avoid staying up late, avoid excessive fatigue, and balance work and rest.

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What is hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia is a condition characterized by abnormally low plasma glucose levels, caused by various etiologies, and clinically presents as a syndrome mainly featuring sympathetic nervous excitement and brain cell glucose deficiency. For healthy individuals, hypoglycemia is diagnosed when blood glucose levels fall below 2.8 mmol/L. For diabetic patients, hypoglycemia is diagnosed when blood glucose levels are below 3.8 mmol/L. Hypoglycemia can be categorized into fasting hypoglycemia and postprandial hypoglycemia based on its causes. Common symptoms of hypoglycemia include palpitations, fatigue, trembling hands, accelerated heart rate, sweating, mental distraction, dizziness, drowsiness, unstable gait, irritability, and even odd behaviors. In severe cases, it can lead to coma or even death.

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Management of Hypoglycemia

The treatment of hypoglycemia mainly includes two aspects: the first is to alleviate the symptoms of hypoglycemia, and the second is to correct various underlying causes that lead to hypoglycemia. For various cases of hypoglycemia that have already occurred, rapid relief can be achieved by administering sugar water, sugary drinks, or consuming candies, cookies, bread, steamed buns, etc. If it is drug-induced hypoglycemia in diabetic patients, the relevant drugs should be discontinued promptly. If hypoglycemia occurs frequently, or even leads to coma, it is possible to investigate the primary disease, conduct a hypoglycemia test, and determine whether an insulinoma exists.

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Written by Li Lang Bo
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Can people with hypoglycemia run?

The treatment of hypoglycemia primarily involves identifying its causes, whether due to an excessive use of medication by diabetic patients, not eating meals on time, or other reasons such as an insulinoma or other causes. In these cases, treatment should focus on the underlying causes. Or, if the hypoglycemia is simply due to not eating regularly, consider if symptoms such as frequent palpitations and easy sweating are present. If you must go running, it is advised to first correct the hypoglycemia by consuming some food to raise the blood sugar. Additionally, during the run, always carry some food with you. If symptoms of low blood sugar occur, you should eat immediately, as running can consume the glucose in the blood and lower blood sugar levels. If you do not eat on time to increase your blood sugar, it might induce severe hypoglycemia. Therefore, it is recommended to correct the blood sugar level before running, and make sure to carry food with you while running.

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Written by Liang Yin
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Where to massage for low blood sugar?

Hypoglycemia cannot be treated by massage. The treatment for hypoglycemia involves sugar supplementation. Mild cases can be managed by orally consuming sugar water or sweets, whereas severe cases require intravenous administration of hypertonic glucose. Additionally, it is necessary to screen for the underlying causes and treat them accordingly. Hypoglycemia is defined as blood plasma glucose levels less than 2.8mmol/L. For diabetic patients, a blood glucose level below 3.9mmol/L qualifies as hypoglycemia. The causes of hypoglycemia are numerous, including islet cell tumors, a state of starvation, enhanced insulin sensitivity due to exercise, or inappropriate use of hypoglycemic drugs in diabetic patients. The effects of hypoglycemia on the human body can be severe and require immediate treatment with sugar supplementation. Massage does not serve as a treatment for hypoglycemia.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
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What to do about hypoglycemia?

After a hypoglycemic episode, we need to handle it quickly. Usually, based on symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as dizziness, palpitations, cold sweats, pale complexion, and trembling hands, we can preliminarily judge the likelihood of a hypoglycemic attack. Then, use a rapid glucose meter to measure fingertip blood sugar levels. For non-diabetic patients, a blood sugar level below 2.8 mmol/L and for diabetic patients, a level below 3.9 mmol/L can be indicative. Next, we quickly provide sugar, offering oral sugar water, sugary drinks, or sugar-containing fruits, cookies, bread, etc. After these treatments, the symptoms of hypoglycemia can be quickly alleviated.