Hypoglycemia is a condition characterized by low blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is the main source of fuel for the body. Carbohydrates, such as rice, potatoes, bread, cereal, fruit and sweets, are the major source of glucose in our diet. The ideal range of fasting morning blood sugar is 70 to 99 mg/dL (milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood). Blood sugar levels under 70 mg/dL are too low and are considered unhealthy.
Hypoglycemia may be a condition by itself, or may be a complication of diabetes or another disorder. It’s most often seen as a complication of diabetes. This is sometimes referred to as insulin reaction. Hypoglycemia can happen quickly. In adults and children older than age 10, hypoglycemia is uncommon except as a potential side effect of diabetes treatment.
Causes of hypoglycemia in people with diabetes may include the following:
Other causes of hypoglycemia are rare, but may happen in early pregnancy, after strenuous exercise, or during prolonged fasting. Hypoglycemia may also result from abusing alcohol, or other rare causes, such as a tumor that makes insulin.
The following are the most common symptoms of hypoglycemia. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. The symptoms include:
Hypoglycemia can also happen during sleep. Some signs of hypoglycemia during sleep include:
In addition to a complete medical history and physical exam, certain blood tests are used to diagnose hypoglycemia.
If you have diabetes and symptoms of hypoglycemia, your healthcare provider will likely diagnose it as a complication of diabetes, or as an insulin reaction. If you don’t have diabetes and have symptoms of hypoglycemia, your healthcare provider may:
Lab tests to measure insulin production may also be done.
Specific treatment for hypoglycemia will be determined by your healthcare provider based on:
If you have diabetes, the goal of treatment is to maintain an appropriate blood sugar level. This involves testing blood sugar often, learning to recognize the warning signs of low blood sugar, and treating the condition quickly, based on prior instructions from your healthcare provider.
To treat low blood sugar immediately, you should eat or drink something that has concentrated sugar in it, such as orange juice, or a hard candy.
If you do not have diabetes, your healthcare provider may advise:
If left untreated, hypoglycemia can get worse and cause confusion, clumsiness, or fainting. Severe hypoglycemia can lead to seizures, coma, and even death.
If you have diabetes, your treatment plan should match the dose and timing of medicine to your usual schedule of meals and activities. Mismatches can result in hypoglycemia. For example, taking a dose of insulin—or other medicine that increases insulin levels—and then skipping a meal could result in hypoglycemia.
To help prevent hypoglycemia, people with diabetes should always consider the following:
Diabetes medicines. Your healthcare provider can explain which diabetes medicines can cause hypoglycemia and explain how and when to take medicines. For good diabetes management, take your diabetes medicines in the recommended doses at the recommended times. In some cases, healthcare providers may suggest learning how to adjust medicines to match changes in your schedule or routine.
Meal plans. A registered dietitian can suggest a meal plan that fits your personal preferences and lifestyle. Following this meal plan is important for managing diabetes. Eat regular meals, eat enough food at each meal, and try not to skip meals or snacks. Snacks are particularly important for some people before going to sleep or exercising. A dietitian can make recommendations for snacks.
Daily activity. To help prevent hypoglycemia caused by physical activity, healthcare providers may advise that you:
Alcoholic beverages. Drinking alcohol, especially on an empty stomach, can cause hypoglycemia, even a day or two later. Heavy drinking can be especially dangerous if you take insulin or medicines that increase insulin production. Only consume alcoholic beverages with a snack or meal at the same time.
Diabetes management. Intensive diabetes management — keeping blood glucose as close to the normal range as possible to prevent long-term complications — can increase the risk of hypoglycemia. If you wish to have tight control over your blood sugar, talk with your healthcare provider about ways to prevent hypoglycemia and how best to treat it if it happens.
If you have a tendency to experience symptoms that resemble hypoglycemia, you may need to have your blood sugar tested by your healthcare provider.
The University of Chicago Medicine
5841 S. Maryland Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637 | 773-702-1000
Appointments: Call UCM Connect at 1-888-824-0200