Causes of Hypoglycemia in Females

Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
Updated on January 12, 2025
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The causes of hypoglycemia in women can be related to various factors, including drug-induced, hepatic, pancreatic, non-pancreatic tumors, renal, endocrine issues, as well as excessive consumption or insufficient intake, among others. For women, apart from organic lesions, common causes include excessive hunger, intense exercise, or chronic diarrhea, which can lead to hypoglycemia. Some women experience hypoglycemia due to lactation or pregnancy without timely replenishment of energy. Additionally, a common condition seen in women is idiopathic functional hypoglycemia, often found in neurotic women, which typically presents with symptoms of hunger and sweating, usually with few physical signs. Characteristically, it involves early-occurring reactive hypoglycemia that generally resolves on its own in less than 30 minutes, with blood glucose tests showing slightly decreased levels and normal or slightly elevated insulin levels in the blood.

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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 Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
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What to eat for low blood sugar?

For already occurring hypoglycemia, our treatment goal is to quickly alleviate the symptoms of hypoglycemia. The primary method is to provide sugar, either through sugar water, sugary drinks, or sugar-containing fruits, bread, etc. After providing sugar, the symptoms of hypoglycemia can be quickly relieved. At the same time, to prevent hypoglycemia, we need to do the following: first, eat meals regularly every day, avoiding eating too late or not enough. Second, it is not advisable to exercise on an empty stomach; it is appropriate to eat something before exercising. Third, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as it can inhibit the conversion of liver glycogen into glucose in the body, making it easy to develop hypoglycemia, so avoid excessive drinking. Fourth, once common symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, sweating, and other symptoms occur, we should quickly provide sugar.

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
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Can people with hypoglycemia exercise?

Hypoglycemia refers to a plasma glucose concentration lower than 2.8 mmol/L, at which point patients may exhibit signs of sympathetic nervous excitement, such as trembling hands, palpitations, pale complexion, profuse sweating, feelings of hunger, and fatigue. There can also be brain function disturbances, leading to symptoms like dizziness, blurred vision, hallucinations, and bizarre behavior. At this time, it is not advisable to exercise. Instead, immediate rest is recommended, along with the consumption of sugary foods to raise blood sugar levels. Exercise is strictly prohibited as it can lead to unnecessary physical injuries, such as falls.

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Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
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Causes of Hypoglycemia in Females

The causes of hypoglycemia in women can be related to various factors, including drug-induced, hepatic, pancreatic, non-pancreatic tumors, renal, endocrine issues, as well as excessive consumption or insufficient intake, among others. For women, apart from organic lesions, common causes include excessive hunger, intense exercise, or chronic diarrhea, which can lead to hypoglycemia. Some women experience hypoglycemia due to lactation or pregnancy without timely replenishment of energy. Additionally, a common condition seen in women is idiopathic functional hypoglycemia, often found in neurotic women, which typically presents with symptoms of hunger and sweating, usually with few physical signs. Characteristically, it involves early-occurring reactive hypoglycemia that generally resolves on its own in less than 30 minutes, with blood glucose tests showing slightly decreased levels and normal or slightly elevated insulin levels in the blood.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
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.