How to alleviate hypoglycemia

Written by Li Hui Zhi

Endocrinology

Updated on September 07, 2024

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In general, for hypoglycemia, if a diabetic's blood sugar falls below 3.9 or a non-diabetic's blood sugar falls below 2.8, it is considered hypoglycemia. In terms of treatment, if the patient is conscious and experiences symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, cold sweat, and hunger, it is recommended to measure blood sugar immediately and then eat foods that quickly increase blood sugar levels, such as chocolate or candy. If hypoglycemia in a patient is not corrected in time, it can lead to coma. If the patient is comatose, it is advised to call emergency services immediately and administer a 50% glucose intravenous injection to correct the hypoglycemia.

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Written by Luo Juan

Endocrinology

1min 12sec

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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

30sec

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How is hypoglycemia treated?

The treatment for hypoglycemia is relatively simple; in most cases, it involves immediate consumption of sugar water to replenish energy, which can significantly alleviate the symptoms of hypoglycemia. If it is an occasional, single occurrence of hypoglycemia, normal status can be restored after replenishing energy. However, if hypoglycemia occurs repeatedly, it is necessary to seek timely medical treatment at a hospital to rule out some common diseases that cause hypoglycemia.

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan

Endocrinology

43sec

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Does hypoglycemia spread?

Hypoglycemia is not a contagious disease, so it is not transmittable. Hypoglycemia is primarily caused by excessive secretion of insulin in the body, or by consuming too little sugary food, leading to abnormally low blood sugar levels and certain clinical symptoms such as palpitations, trembling hands, fatigue, and cold sweats. Therefore, it is caused by pathological reasons within the body itself, and not by infectious bacteria or viruses from external sources, so it is not contagious. However, when hypoglycemia occurs, it is necessary to promptly consume sugary foods to alleviate the symptoms and prevent more serious damage to the body.

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Written by Chen Xie

Endocrinology

1min 8sec

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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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Written by Zhao Xin Lan

Endocrinology

53sec

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How is hypoglycemia treated?

For mild hypoglycemia, if the patient is conscious, they can self-treat by orally consuming sugary solutions or foods containing carbohydrates, such as beverages, fruit juices, glucose water, candies, etc. In cases of more severe hypoglycemia accompanied by changes in consciousness, oral sugar intake is not advisable. Instead, intravenous glucose injections should be administered to raise blood sugar levels, typically using about 40-100 ml of 50% concentrated glucose. Blood sugar levels should be monitored repeatedly. If the patient does not regain consciousness, repeated glucose injections may be necessary. For severe cases with other organic pathologies, treatment with corticosteroids may be required, and emergency hospital treatment is necessary.