Causes of Hypoglycemia in Pregnant Women

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on August 31, 2024
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Hypoglycemia is a relatively common clinical phenomenon in pregnant women during pregnancy, mainly manifesting as dizziness, blurred vision, and even fainting. This occurs because the metabolism of pregnant women accelerates during pregnancy, while the secretion of the islets is not correspondingly increased. This results in the physiological function of the islets being very active, which can easily lead to low blood sugar in expectant mothers, causing symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue due to hypoglycemia. Additionally, hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, irregular eating habits, and malnutrition in pregnant women. Despite this, energy consumption still occurs, which can also lead to hypoglycemia.

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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 Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
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How to check for hypoglycemia

We usually diagnose hypoglycemia based on the following three criteria. The first is the presence of hypoglycemic symptoms, such as palpitations, tremors, sweating, dizziness, etc. If these symptoms are present, we must immediately consider the possibility of hypoglycemia, and then proceed to monitor blood glucose levels. If the blood glucose reading is below 2.8 for non-diabetic patients and below 3.9 for diabetic patients, hypoglycemia can be considered. Subsequently, the patient should consume sugary water, and if the symptoms significantly alleviate after this, a diagnosis of hypoglycemia can be established. Moreover, if the patient does not have a history of diabetes, does not use hypoglycemic drugs, but experiences recurring episodes of hypoglycemia, further testing is required, such as a fasting test, checking C-peptide levels, insulin levels, etc., to rule out insulinoma.

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Written by Li Lang Bo
Endocrinology
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Can people with hypoglycemia eat mutton?

The definition of hypoglycemia is when the blood glucose level is monitored to be less than 2.8 mmol/L, or less than 3.9 mmol/L for diabetics, accompanied by symptoms such as palpitations, cold sweats, hunger, and dizziness. These symptoms can be alleviated after eating, especially after consuming sugar water, and this condition is then referred to as hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is classified into mild, moderate, and severe degrees. For mild hypoglycemia, with only mild symptoms, it is acceptable to eat lamb, beef, pork, or consume sugar. However, in cases of more severe hypoglycemia, where there are changes in consciousness or symptoms like somnolence, eating meat may not be quick enough. The most recommended treatment is to drink sugar water directly or to administer glucose intravenously to correct the blood sugar rapidly. This is because eating lamb, which is protein, requires digestion and absorption, and raises blood sugar levels more slowly. In cases of severe hypoglycemia, the most direct treatments are drinking sugar water or administering it intravenously.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
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What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?

The symptoms of hypoglycemia primarily manifest as signs of sympathetic nervous excitement and lack of oxygen in brain cells. Sympathetic nervous excitement can cause feelings of hunger, pale complexion, palpitations, dizziness, and trembling limbs. Meanwhile, the lack of oxygen in brain cells primarily presents as disturbances in neurological functions. The most common symptoms include inability to concentrate, slow speech and thought processes, drowsiness, abnormal behavior, and in severe cases, it can even lead to coma.

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
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Can people with hypoglycemia eat meat?

Hypoglycemia refers to a condition where the concentration of glucose in the plasma is too low, below 2.8mmol/L, which is termed hypoglycemia. During hypoglycemia, it is first necessary to quickly replenish glucose to increase the concentration of glucose in the blood and alleviate the symptoms of hypoglycemia. During hypoglycemia, it is best to first eat sugary foods, such as sugar water, chocolate, cookies, fruit juice, etc., which can quickly increase low blood sugar. Eating meat can also improve symptoms of hypoglycemia, but since meat takes longer to be digested and converted into blood glucose by the stomach, it does not quickly relieve symptoms of hypoglycemia. It is best to eat sugar during hypoglycemia, although meat can also be consumed.