The harms of hypoglycemia

Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
Updated on September 08, 2024
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Hypoglycemia poses significant risks to the human body and mainly includes the following aspects: Firstly, hypoglycemia can lead to brain dysfunction, initially characterized by lack of mental focus, sluggish thinking and speech, dizziness, drowsiness, irritability, and other symptoms. In later stages, seizures, coma, and even death may occur. Secondly, recurrent hypoglycemic episodes can cause irreversible damage to the central nervous system, leading to changes in personality, mental disorders, dementia, etc. Thirdly, hypoglycemia can stimulate the cardiovascular system, trigger arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, and so on. Fourthly, prolonged hypoglycemic coma, if unnoticed, can result in death.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
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The harms of hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia poses significant risks to the human body and mainly includes the following aspects: Firstly, hypoglycemia can lead to brain dysfunction, initially characterized by lack of mental focus, sluggish thinking and speech, dizziness, drowsiness, irritability, and other symptoms. In later stages, seizures, coma, and even death may occur. Secondly, recurrent hypoglycemic episodes can cause irreversible damage to the central nervous system, leading to changes in personality, mental disorders, dementia, etc. Thirdly, hypoglycemia can stimulate the cardiovascular system, trigger arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, and so on. Fourthly, prolonged hypoglycemic coma, if unnoticed, can result in death.

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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
Endocrinology
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Hypoglycemia emergency treatment procedure

Typically, when we consider a patient might have hypoglycemia, we follow the standard diagnostic procedures. First, we measure the patient's blood sugar level; if it is below 2.8 mmol/L, there is a high likelihood of hypoglycemia. Symptoms may include palpitations, dizziness, pale complexion, lack of concentration, lethargy, or even coma. Immediate action would involve giving the patient oral glucose solution or administrating glucose intravenously, followed by monitoring the patient’s clinical symptoms and blood sugar levels. If the patient's condition significantly improves after glucose provision, we can diagnose them with hypoglycemia. This is also a critical emergency procedure for hypoglycemia, which entails timely glucose supplementation. If the patient has recurrent hypoglycemia episodes, further detailed examinations should be conducted.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
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How to regulate hypoglycemia?

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 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.