Can people with hypoglycemia eat meat?

Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
Updated on November 08, 2024
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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 Luo Juan
Endocrinology
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What does hypoglycemia lack?

Hypoglycemia refers to a decrease in the concentration of glucose in the blood, known as hypoglycemia. Generally, for the normal healthy population, a blood glucose concentration below 2.8 mmol/L is considered hypoglycemia. For diabetic patients, a blood glucose concentration below 3.9 mmol/L is considered hypoglycemia. Of course, this can also be due to some endocrine diseases, such as pituitary insufficiency, adrenal cortex insufficiency, and hypothyroidism leading to hypoglycemia. In addition to the low concentration of glucose in the blood, there may also be a decrease in some hormone levels related to pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid functions, such as decreased cortisol and thyroid hormone levels, which are also deficiencies in the body.

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Endocrinology
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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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Written by Li Lang Bo
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The dangers of hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia poses the greatest harm to the body by damaging brain tissue. If the drop in blood sugar is severe and prolonged, it can cause brain dysfunction due to glucose deprivation in brain tissues. This mainly manifests as changes in the patient's consciousness and personality, and can present as weakness, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. In severe cases, it can lead to seizures or coma. Additionally, degeneration and necrosis can occur in the neurons of the central nervous system within the brain cells, along with cerebral edema, diffuse cerebral hemorrhage, or periodic demyelination. If severe and persistent hypoglycemia is not effectively corrected, it can lead to permanent brain function impairment or death.

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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
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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.