Is hypoglycemia dangerous?

Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
Updated on September 20, 2024
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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 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.

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Endocrinology
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How to treat hypoglycemia?

First, we need to accurately identify what hypoglycemia is. We often judge the occurrence of hypoglycemia based on symptoms, such as common symptoms including palpitations, dizziness, pale complexion, general weakness, trembling limbs, sweating, etc. When these symptoms appear, we should immediately use a rapid glucose meter to measure the fingertip blood sugar. If the blood sugar is below 2.8, then the diagnosis of hypoglycemia is confirmed. We immediately provide sugary drinks or other forms of energy substances, and the symptoms of low blood sugar can be greatly relieved.

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Causes of Hypoglycemia in Pregnant Women

Hypoglycemia is a relatively common clinical phenomenon in pregnant women during pregnancy, mainly manifesting as dizziness, blurred vision, and even fainting. This occurs because the metabolism of pregnant women accelerates during pregnancy, while the secretion of the islets is not correspondingly increased. This results in the physiological function of the islets being very active, which can easily lead to low blood sugar in expectant mothers, causing symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue due to hypoglycemia. Additionally, hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, irregular eating habits, and malnutrition in pregnant women. Despite this, energy consumption still occurs, which can also lead to hypoglycemia.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
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Hypoglycemia complications

Complications of hypoglycemia encompass aspects of both the central nervous system and the heart. Firstly, the central nervous system, due to hypoglycemic episodes, can lead to brain cells lacking energy, which may then cause cerebral edema. This results in severe neuroglycopenic syndrome. Common symptoms include confusion, apathy, and abnormal mental and behavioral actions. If hypoglycemia persists or recurs, it can lead to coma and death. Secondly, cardiac complications arise during hypoglycemic episodes because excitement of the sympathetic nervous system leads to an increased heart rate or sinus tachycardia. Very few patients may experience bradycardia. Additionally, other arrhythmias, including premature atrial contractions, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular premature beats, and short episodes of ventricular tachycardia, can occur.