Hypoglycemia emergency treatment procedure

Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
Updated on February 01, 2025
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Typically, when we consider a patient might have hypoglycemia, we follow the standard diagnostic procedures. First, we measure the patient's blood sugar level; if it is below 2.8 mmol/L, there is a high likelihood of hypoglycemia. Symptoms may include palpitations, dizziness, pale complexion, lack of concentration, lethargy, or even coma. Immediate action would involve giving the patient oral glucose solution or administrating glucose intravenously, followed by monitoring the patient’s clinical symptoms and blood sugar levels. If the patient's condition significantly improves after glucose provision, we can diagnose them with hypoglycemia. This is also a critical emergency procedure for hypoglycemia, which entails timely glucose supplementation. If the patient has recurrent hypoglycemia episodes, further detailed examinations should be conducted.

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What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia, in fact, is diagnosed in healthy individuals when blood glucose levels are less than or equal to 2.8 mmol/L, and in diabetic patients when levels are less than or equal to 3.9 mmol/L. Common symptoms of mild hypoglycemia typically involve sympathetic nervous system activation, such as dizziness, palpitations, cold sweats, trembling hands, and a feeling of hunger. It is recommended that food be consumed promptly when these symptoms occur. If hypoglycemia is not immediately addressed, severe outcomes can occur, including altered mental status, coma, and unresponsiveness. In some cases, hypoglycemia may trigger seizures or abnormal cerebral vascular accidents, such as stroke or cardiac ischemia, leading to a heart attack. Therefore, preventing hypoglycemia is of utmost importance.

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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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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
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Standard for Low Blood Sugar

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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Management of Hypoglycemia

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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Where to massage for low blood sugar?

Hypoglycemia cannot be treated by massage. The treatment for hypoglycemia involves sugar supplementation. Mild cases can be managed by orally consuming sugar water or sweets, whereas severe cases require intravenous administration of hypertonic glucose. Additionally, it is necessary to screen for the underlying causes and treat them accordingly. Hypoglycemia is defined as blood plasma glucose levels less than 2.8mmol/L. For diabetic patients, a blood glucose level below 3.9mmol/L qualifies as hypoglycemia. The causes of hypoglycemia are numerous, including islet cell tumors, a state of starvation, enhanced insulin sensitivity due to exercise, or inappropriate use of hypoglycemic drugs in diabetic patients. The effects of hypoglycemia on the human body can be severe and require immediate treatment with sugar supplementation. Massage does not serve as a treatment for hypoglycemia.