Can people with hypoglycemia eat mutton?

Written by Li Lang Bo
Endocrinology
Updated on December 23, 2024
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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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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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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 to eat for low blood sugar?

For already occurring hypoglycemia, our treatment goal is to quickly alleviate the symptoms of hypoglycemia. The primary method is to provide sugar, either through sugar water, sugary drinks, or sugar-containing fruits, bread, etc. After providing sugar, the symptoms of hypoglycemia can be quickly relieved. At the same time, to prevent hypoglycemia, we need to do the following: first, eat meals regularly every day, avoiding eating too late or not enough. Second, it is not advisable to exercise on an empty stomach; it is appropriate to eat something before exercising. Third, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as it can inhibit the conversion of liver glycogen into glucose in the body, making it easy to develop hypoglycemia, so avoid excessive drinking. Fourth, once common symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, sweating, and other symptoms occur, we should quickly provide sugar.

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How to test for hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia refers to a syndrome characterized by symptoms of sympathetic nerve excitation and brain cell hypoxia due to low blood glucose concentration. We usually identify hypoglycemia first by a series of symptoms. The primary symptoms of hypoglycemia are sympathetic nerve symptoms, including dizziness, palpitations, cold sweats, hunger, and pallor. If these symptoms occur, we use a glucometer to determine if the blood sugar level is below 2.8 mmol/L. If the blood sugar is below 2.8 mmol/L, one should quickly consume sugary water and energy. If the patient's symptoms are alleviated, then it is considered hypoglycemia.

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Can people with hypoglycemia exercise?

Generally speaking, when hypoglycemia occurs, one should first correct the low blood sugar levels and identify the cause of the hypoglycemia before engaging in exercise. This is because hypoglycemia can manifest in various ways depending on the cause, the degree and speed of the blood sugar drop, and the individual's response. For instance, some patients may exhibit symptoms of excessive sympathetic nervous system activation, such as sweating, trembling, palpitations, hunger, anxiety, tension, and a slight increase in blood pressure. If hypoglycemia is not corrected, it can lead to a further decline in blood sugar levels, resulting in symptoms of neuroglycopenia. These may include lack of mental focus, dizziness, sluggishness, blurred vision, unsteady gait, and even hallucinations, restlessness, abnormal behavior, and other psychotic manifestations. Some may also exhibit confusion, infantile movements, choreiform movements, and even some spasms, coma, and a drop in blood pressure. Therefore, hypoglycemia is a serious condition and exercise should only be undertaken after it has been corrected.