Can people with hypoglycemia eat meat?

Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
Updated on November 08, 2024
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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.

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Manifestations of Hypoglycemia

When the blood glucose level of a normal person falls below 2.8mmol/L, or for diabetics below 3.9mmol/L, it is referred to as hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia refers to a clinical syndrome caused by an abnormally low glucose concentration in the blood due to various reasons. Clinically, it primarily manifests through symptoms stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system and affects on the central nervous system. Typical signs of hypoglycemia include excessive sympathetic nervous excitement, such as sweating, hunger, palpitations, trembling, and paleness. Additionally, there are manifestations of brain dysfunction, initially presenting as lack of concentration, slow thinking and speech, dizziness, drowsiness, restlessness, irritability, and bizarre behavior. In severe cases, seizures, coma, and even death may occur.

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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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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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Management of Hypoglycemia

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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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.