Manifestations of Hypoglycemia

Written by Tang Zhuo
Endocrinology
Updated on April 03, 2025
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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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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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Is hypoglycemia dangerous?

For diabetic patients, hypoglycemia is defined as glucose levels less than 4 mmol/L, and for non-diabetic individuals, or healthy people, low blood sugar is characterized by levels less than 2.8 mmol/L. Hypoglycemia initially causes metabolic abnormalities in the brain since brain cells in the middle of the brain can't break down fats or proteins; they can only use the simplest sugars, which is the glucose in our blood, as their energy source. When the concentration of sugar in the blood decreases, the brain cells fail to absorb enough energy, which can lead to abnormalities in brain function, resulting in symptoms like fatigue and drowsiness. If glucose is not consumed at this point, the further deficiency in energy for brain cells may lead to coma, making hypoglycemia a very dangerous condition.

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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 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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What is hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia refers to a condition where the concentration of glucose in the bloodstream is too low, leading to insufficient energy supply in the body. This can excite the sympathetic nervous system or disrupt central nervous system functions, resulting in a range of clinical syndromes. Hypoglycemia is relatively common in our daily lives. Its symptoms often include palpitations, dizziness, trembling limbs, apathy, abnormal behavior, and in severe cases, even coma or sudden death. Therefore, timely diagnosis and treatment of hypoglycemia are very important.