Management of Hypoglycemia

Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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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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The dangers of hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia poses the greatest harm to the body by damaging brain tissue. If the drop in blood sugar is severe and prolonged, it can cause brain dysfunction due to glucose deprivation in brain tissues. This mainly manifests as changes in the patient's consciousness and personality, and can present as weakness, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. In severe cases, it can lead to seizures or coma. Additionally, degeneration and necrosis can occur in the neurons of the central nervous system within the brain cells, along with cerebral edema, diffuse cerebral hemorrhage, or periodic demyelination. If severe and persistent hypoglycemia is not effectively corrected, it can lead to permanent brain function impairment or death.

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Hypoglycemia is caused by what?

Hypoglycemia is most commonly seen in patients with type 2 diabetes. During the treatment of diabetes, hypoglycemia can occur due to excessive use of medication or insulin, failure to eat on time after exercise, or decreased appetite without appropriately reducing the medication. Another common cause is insulinoma, a type of tumor that secretes excessive insulin, resulting in lowered blood glucose levels. A third cause relates to the early stage of type 2 diabetes, where insulin resistance and delayed insulin peak times often lead to pre-meal hypoglycemia, especially before lunch and dinner. Lastly, hypoglycemia is also commonly observed in some young women with specific coloring, potentially due to gastrointestinal motility issues or other reasons leading to pre-meal hypoglycemia. It is also common in patients with hepatitis or cirrhosis, where the liver's ability to output glucose is diminished, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia when fasting.

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How to Treat Hypoglycemia

If the patient is experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, cold sweats, and feelings of hunger, but is mentally clear, it is suggested to promptly eat foods like candy or chocolate that can rapidly increase blood sugar levels. However, if the patient's hypoglycemia isn’t fully corrected and leads to unconsciousness, then it is critical to immediately call emergency services (dial 120). Upon their arrival, a micro blood sugar test should be conducted. Secondly, an injection of 50% glucose can be administered intravenously to correct the hypoglycemia. Thus, preventing hypoglycemia is very important.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
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How to treat hypoglycemia?

First, we need to accurately identify what hypoglycemia is. We often judge the occurrence of hypoglycemia based on symptoms, such as common symptoms including palpitations, dizziness, pale complexion, general weakness, trembling limbs, sweating, etc. When these symptoms appear, we should immediately use a rapid glucose meter to measure the fingertip blood sugar. If the blood sugar is below 2.8, then the diagnosis of hypoglycemia is confirmed. We immediately provide sugary drinks or other forms of energy substances, and the symptoms of low blood sugar can be greatly relieved.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
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How to regulate hypoglycemia

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.