How to regulate hypoglycemia?

Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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If a patient suddenly exhibits symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, cold sweats, pallor, and hunger, we would first consider the possibility of hypoglycemia. At this time, we use a glucose meter to determine the blood sugar level. If hypoglycemia is confirmed, oral glucose water can be administered and fasting imposed, which can relieve the symptoms. If the hypoglycemia is sporadic, it is likely due to prolonged periods without eating and lack of energy. If hypoglycemia occurs frequently, it is necessary to go to the hospital promptly for examination to rule out diseases causing hypoglycemia, such as the most common cause, an insulinoma.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
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What is hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia refers to a condition where the concentration of glucose in the bloodstream is too low, leading to insufficient energy supply in the body. This can excite the sympathetic nervous system or disrupt central nervous system functions, resulting in a range of clinical syndromes. Hypoglycemia is relatively common in our daily lives. Its symptoms often include palpitations, dizziness, trembling limbs, apathy, abnormal behavior, and in severe cases, even coma or sudden death. Therefore, timely diagnosis and treatment of hypoglycemia are very important.

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Written by Liang Yin
Endocrinology
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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
Endocrinology
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Hypoglycemia complications

Complications of hypoglycemia encompass aspects of both the central nervous system and the heart. Firstly, the central nervous system, due to hypoglycemic episodes, can lead to brain cells lacking energy, which may then cause cerebral edema. This results in severe neuroglycopenic syndrome. Common symptoms include confusion, apathy, and abnormal mental and behavioral actions. If hypoglycemia persists or recurs, it can lead to coma and death. Secondly, cardiac complications arise during hypoglycemic episodes because excitement of the sympathetic nervous system leads to an increased heart rate or sinus tachycardia. Very few patients may experience bradycardia. Additionally, other arrhythmias, including premature atrial contractions, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular premature beats, and short episodes of ventricular tachycardia, can occur.

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Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
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Causes of Hypoglycemia in Females

The causes of hypoglycemia in women can be related to various factors, including drug-induced, hepatic, pancreatic, non-pancreatic tumors, renal, endocrine issues, as well as excessive consumption or insufficient intake, among others. For women, apart from organic lesions, common causes include excessive hunger, intense exercise, or chronic diarrhea, which can lead to hypoglycemia. Some women experience hypoglycemia due to lactation or pregnancy without timely replenishment of energy. Additionally, a common condition seen in women is idiopathic functional hypoglycemia, often found in neurotic women, which typically presents with symptoms of hunger and sweating, usually with few physical signs. Characteristically, it involves early-occurring reactive hypoglycemia that generally resolves on its own in less than 30 minutes, with blood glucose tests showing slightly decreased levels and normal or slightly elevated insulin levels in the blood.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
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Standard for Low Blood Sugar

Our diagnostic criteria for hypoglycemia are often based on the "Whipple's triad," which is determined first by the presence of symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as palpitations, dizziness, pale complexion, cold sweats, confusion, mental abnormalities, and so on. Second, after the symptoms appear, we measure blood glucose; in non-diabetic patients, blood glucose below 2.8 mmol/L, and in diabetic patients, blood glucose below 3.9 mmol/L, then it can be judged as possibly hypoglycemia. Third, after measuring blood glucose, we quickly provide sugars, administer oral sugar water, biscuits, etc., and his symptoms of hypoglycemia quickly alleviate. Based on these three points, we can diagnose hypoglycemia.