Management of Hypoglycemia

Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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The treatment of hypoglycemia mainly includes two aspects: the first is to alleviate the symptoms of hypoglycemia, and the second is to correct various underlying causes that lead to hypoglycemia. For various cases of hypoglycemia that have already occurred, rapid relief can be achieved by administering sugar water, sugary drinks, or consuming candies, cookies, bread, steamed buns, etc. If it is drug-induced hypoglycemia in diabetic patients, the relevant drugs should be discontinued promptly. If hypoglycemia occurs frequently, or even leads to coma, it is possible to investigate the primary disease, conduct a hypoglycemia test, and determine whether an insulinoma exists.

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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.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
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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.

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Written by Li Lang Bo
Endocrinology
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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 Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
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How to regulate hypoglycemia

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.