Glucose is a type of sugar (carbohydrate). It is the body's main source of fuel. When the level of glucose in the blood becomes too low, it is called hypoglycemia. If the glucose levels are too low the body can not function properly.
Medication for diabetes is the most common cause particularly when combined with the following factors:
Reactive hypoglycemia may also occur in people without diabetes. It is now thought to be quite rare.
Other causes of hypoglycemia include:
Factors that can increase your risk for hypoglycemia include:
Symptoms may come on slowly or suddenly.
Symptoms include:
As hypoglycemia worsens symptoms may include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
If hypoglycemia is suspected, your doctor will try to document your low blood sugar. Your blood glucose levels will be measured while you are having symptoms.
If this is not possible, you may have a glucose tolerance test. This is a series of blood tests after taking glucose by mouth.
Other, less routine tests include:
Treatments include:
Symptoms of low blood sugar can be relieved quickly by:
Some people who have prolonged or severe hypoglycemia take glucagon. Glucagon is an injectable hormone. It raises blood sugar levels.
It can be used in emergencies when people have a severe reaction. It can be used if the person cannot take sugar by mouth.
Hypoglycemia may be caused by a tumor. In this case a surgery to remove the tumor may be needed.
Measures that can help prevent hypoglycemia include:
In addition to the above measures:
RESOURCES:
American Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.org/
Hypoglycemia Support Foundation
http://www.hypoglycemia.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.ca/
Canadian Health Network
http://www.canadian-health-network.ca/
References:
American Diabetes Association website. Available at: http://www.diabetes.org .
Beers MH. The Merck Manual of Medical Information—Home Edition . Simon and Schuster, Inc; 2003.
The Merck Manual of Medical Information—Home Edition. Simon and Schuster, Inc; 2000.
National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www2.niddk.nih.gov/ .
Last reviewed January 2009 by Rosalyn Carson-DeW¹itt, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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