Does low blood sugar cause confusion?

Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
Updated on October 21, 2024
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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 Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
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Can people with hypoglycemia eat meat?

Hypoglycemia refers to a condition where the concentration of glucose in the plasma is too low, below 2.8mmol/L, which is termed hypoglycemia. During hypoglycemia, it is first necessary to quickly replenish glucose to increase the concentration of glucose in the blood and alleviate the symptoms of hypoglycemia. During hypoglycemia, it is best to first eat sugary foods, such as sugar water, chocolate, cookies, fruit juice, etc., which can quickly increase low blood sugar. Eating meat can also improve symptoms of hypoglycemia, but since meat takes longer to be digested and converted into blood glucose by the stomach, it does not quickly relieve symptoms of hypoglycemia. It is best to eat sugar during hypoglycemia, although meat can also be consumed.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
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Hypoglycemia emergency treatment procedure

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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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
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How to test for hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia refers to a syndrome characterized by symptoms of sympathetic nerve excitation and brain cell hypoxia due to low blood glucose concentration. We usually identify hypoglycemia first by a series of symptoms. The primary symptoms of hypoglycemia are sympathetic nerve symptoms, including dizziness, palpitations, cold sweats, hunger, and pallor. If these symptoms occur, we use a glucometer to determine if the blood sugar level is below 2.8 mmol/L. If the blood sugar is below 2.8 mmol/L, one should quickly consume sugary water and energy. If the patient's symptoms are alleviated, then it is considered hypoglycemia.

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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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The harms of hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia poses significant risks to the human body and mainly includes the following aspects: Firstly, hypoglycemia can lead to brain dysfunction, initially characterized by lack of mental focus, sluggish thinking and speech, dizziness, drowsiness, irritability, and other symptoms. In later stages, seizures, coma, and even death may occur. Secondly, recurrent hypoglycemic episodes can cause irreversible damage to the central nervous system, leading to changes in personality, mental disorders, dementia, etc. Thirdly, hypoglycemia can stimulate the cardiovascular system, trigger arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, and so on. Fourthly, prolonged hypoglycemic coma, if unnoticed, can result in death.