What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?

Written by Lin Xiang Dong

Endocrinology

Updated on September 25, 2024

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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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Written by Li Lang Bo

Endocrinology

1min 19sec

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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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Written by Luo Juan

Endocrinology

1min 12sec

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Causes of Hypoglycemia in Females

The causes of hypoglycemia in women can be related to various factors, including drug-induced, hepatic, pancreatic, non-pancreatic tumors, renal, endocrine issues, as well as excessive consumption or insufficient intake, among others. For women, apart from organic lesions, common causes include excessive hunger, intense exercise, or chronic diarrhea, which can lead to hypoglycemia. Some women experience hypoglycemia due to lactation or pregnancy without timely replenishment of energy. Additionally, a common condition seen in women is idiopathic functional hypoglycemia, often found in neurotic women, which typically presents with symptoms of hunger and sweating, usually with few physical signs. Characteristically, it involves early-occurring reactive hypoglycemia that generally resolves on its own in less than 30 minutes, with blood glucose tests showing slightly decreased levels and normal or slightly elevated insulin levels in the blood.

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan

Endocrinology

53sec

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How is hypoglycemia treated?

For mild hypoglycemia, if the patient is conscious, they can self-treat by orally consuming sugary solutions or foods containing carbohydrates, such as beverages, fruit juices, glucose water, candies, etc. In cases of more severe hypoglycemia accompanied by changes in consciousness, oral sugar intake is not advisable. Instead, intravenous glucose injections should be administered to raise blood sugar levels, typically using about 40-100 ml of 50% concentrated glucose. Blood sugar levels should be monitored repeatedly. If the patient does not regain consciousness, repeated glucose injections may be necessary. For severe cases with other organic pathologies, treatment with corticosteroids may be required, and emergency hospital treatment is necessary.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong

Endocrinology

40sec

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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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Written by Li Lang Bo

Endocrinology

1min 6sec

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Can people with hypoglycemia eat beef?

Whether or not patients with hypoglycemia can eat beef really depends on the specific situation. Hypoglycemia varies in severity from mild, moderate, to severe. If you're just experiencing slight low blood sugar with some hunger and mild sweating, without any mental or physical impairments, then eating some beef shouldn't be a problem and it can indeed help raise your blood sugar. However, if you are experiencing moderate or severe hypoglycemia, characterized by heavy sweating, dizziness, and especially changes in consciousness, then it is not recommended to eat beef because its digestion and absorption are slow. In such cases, it is advised to quickly drink sugary water, and if necessary, administer sugar water intravenously to swiftly increase the blood sugar levels and alleviate symptoms of hypoglycemia. Since beef is a protein, it digests slowly and therefore causes a slower rise in blood sugar.