Standard for Low Blood Sugar

Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
Updated on September 29, 2024
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Our diagnostic criteria for hypoglycemia are often based on the "Whipple's triad," which is determined first by the presence of symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as palpitations, dizziness, pale complexion, cold sweats, confusion, mental abnormalities, and so on. Second, after the symptoms appear, we measure blood glucose; in non-diabetic patients, blood glucose below 2.8 mmol/L, and in diabetic patients, blood glucose below 3.9 mmol/L, then it can be judged as possibly hypoglycemia. Third, after measuring blood glucose, we quickly provide sugars, administer oral sugar water, biscuits, etc., and his symptoms of hypoglycemia quickly alleviate. Based on these three points, we can diagnose hypoglycemia.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
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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
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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.

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Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
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Does low blood sugar cause confusion?

When hypoglycemia occurs, it is possible to experience confusion. This is because, under normal conditions, the glucose level in our brain tissue is only about 25% of that in our blood. After hypoglycemia occurs, the glucose concentration in our brain tissue will further decrease, leading to a state of sugar and oxygen deprivation in the brain. Severe cases can exhibit a range of neuropsychiatric symptoms such as behavioral changes and confusion, cognitive dysfunction, or even epileptic seizures. Some patients may also experience coma and permanent brain damage, typically seen in those with severe and prolonged hypoglycemia. Similarly, patients who repeatedly experience hypoglycemia often also suffer from brain atrophy. Therefore, confusion can occur during hypoglycemia.

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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 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.