How to regulate hypoglycemia

Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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If hypoglycemia occurs repeatedly, it is necessary to go to the hospital for an examination to rule out some diseases that may cause hypoglycemia. If no apparent diseases are found after the examination, self-regulation can be considered. The methods for self-regulation include the following: Firstly, pay attention to a reasonable diet, eat regularly, balance meat and vegetables, and develop good eating habits without excessive dieting. Secondly, persist in exercising to strengthen the body, enhance physical fitness, improve immunity, and reduce the occurrence of hypoglycemia. Lastly, develop good living habits, ensure adequate sleep, avoid staying up late, avoid excessive fatigue, and balance work and rest.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
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What to do about hypoglycemia?

After a hypoglycemic episode, we need to handle it quickly. Usually, based on symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as dizziness, palpitations, cold sweats, pale complexion, and trembling hands, we can preliminarily judge the likelihood of a hypoglycemic attack. Then, use a rapid glucose meter to measure fingertip blood sugar levels. For non-diabetic patients, a blood sugar level below 2.8 mmol/L and for diabetic patients, a level below 3.9 mmol/L can be indicative. Next, we quickly provide sugar, offering oral sugar water, sugary drinks, or sugar-containing fruits, cookies, bread, etc. After these treatments, the symptoms of hypoglycemia can be quickly alleviated.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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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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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
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Is hypoglycemia dangerous?

For hypoglycemia that has already occurred, as long as we can accurately and promptly identify the onset of hypoglycemia and provide appropriate treatment, the hypoglycemia can be alleviated and cured. Occasional hypoglycemia is not very dangerous after being handled, but if hypoglycemia occurs frequently and does not receive timely rescue, it can cause significant damage to the human body, especially the central nervous system, causing damage to brain cells. If hypoglycemia lasts too long, it can even endanger life, leading to coma, death, etc.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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How to alleviate hypoglycemia

In general, for hypoglycemia, if a diabetic's blood sugar falls below 3.9 or a non-diabetic's blood sugar falls below 2.8, it is considered hypoglycemia. In terms of treatment, if the patient is conscious and experiences symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, cold sweat, and hunger, it is recommended to measure blood sugar immediately and then eat foods that quickly increase blood sugar levels, such as chocolate or candy. If hypoglycemia in a patient is not corrected in time, it can lead to coma. If the patient is comatose, it is advised to call emergency services immediately and administer a 50% glucose intravenous injection to correct the hypoglycemia.

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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.