Hypoglycemia why

If use of a drug such as pentamidine or quinine is thought to be the cause of hypoglycemia, the drug is stopped and blood glucose levels are measured to determine if they increase. If the cause remains unclear, other laboratory tests may be needed.

If an insulinoma is suspected, measurements of insulin levels in the blood during fasting sometimes up to 72 hours may be needed. If the insulin measurements suggest a tumor, the doctor will try to locate it before treatment.

Sometimes a laboratory error such as when a blood sample is stored for too long can result in glucose levels that are artificially low, called pseudohypoglycemia. People prone to hypoglycemia should carry or wear medical identification to inform health care practitioners of their condition. The symptoms of hypoglycemia are relieved within minutes of consuming sugar in any form, such as candy, glucose tablets, or a sweet drink, such as a glass of fruit juice.

People with recurring episodes of hypoglycemia, especially those with diabetes, often prefer to carry glucose tablets because the tablets take effect quickly and provide a consistent amount of sugar.

These people may benefit from consuming sugar followed by a food that provides longer-lasting carbohydrates such as bread or crackers. When hypoglycemia is severe or prolonged and taking sugar by mouth is not possible, doctors quickly give glucose intravenously to prevent brain damage.

People who are known to be at risk of episodes of severe hypoglycemia may keep glucagon on hand for emergencies. Glucagon administration stimulates the liver to release large amounts of glucose. It is given by injection or by a new nasal inhaler and generally restores blood glucose to an adequate level within 5 to 15 minutes. Glucagon kits are easy to use, and family members can be trained to administer the glucagon. Insulinomas Insulinoma An insulinoma is a rare type of tumor of the pancreas that secretes insulin, a hormone that lowers the levels of sugar glucose in the blood.

However, because these tumors are small and difficult to locate, a specialist should do the surgery. Before surgery, the person may be given a drug such as octreotide or diazoxide to control symptoms. Sometimes more than one tumor is present, and if the surgeon does not find them all, a second operation may be necessary.

People who do not have diabetes but are prone to hypoglycemia often can avoid episodes by eating frequent small meals rather than the usual three meals a day. Limiting intake of carbohydrates, especially simple sugars, is sometimes advocated to prevent hypoglycemia that occurs after a meal called reactive hypoglycemia. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, such as acarbose , which slow the absorption of carbohydrates, have also been used successfully in people with reactive hypoglycemia and post-bariatric surgery hypoglycemia.

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Learn more about our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Common Health Topics. Drugs Fasting hypoglycemia Reaction to eating. If mild or moderate hypoglycemia isn't treated right away, it can turn into severe hypoglycemia. People with severe hypoglycemia usually pass out. If you pass out, someone should call right away. If you have a health problem that tends to cause low blood sugar, it's a good idea to teach your family, friends, and coworkers about what symptoms to watch for and what to do.

You may also want to wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace. Kim MD - Endocrinology. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: E. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

Updated visitor guidelines. Top of the page. Topic Overview Is this topic for you? If you have already been diagnosed with diabetes and need more information about low blood sugar, see the topics: Type 1 Diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes. What is low blood sugar? Make sure your family, friends and co-workers know what to do in an emergency. If you have symptoms of hypoglycemia several times a week or more, see your doctor.

You may need to change your medication dosage or timing, or otherwise adjust your diabetes treatment regimen. Low blood sugar is most common among people who take insulin, but it can also occur if you're taking certain oral diabetes medications. The hormone insulin lowers blood sugar levels when blood sugar is too high.

If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and need insulin to control your blood sugar, taking more insulin than you need can cause your blood sugar level to drop too low and result in hypoglycemia. Your blood sugar can also drop too low if, after taking your diabetes medication, you eat less than usual most of the body's glucose comes from food , or if you exercise more than you normally do, which uses extra glucose.

Maintaining the balance between insulin, food and activity isn't always easy, but your doctor or diabetes educator can work with you to try to prevent low blood sugar levels.

If you ignore the symptoms of hypoglycemia too long, you may lose consciousness. That's because your brain needs glucose to function. Recognize the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia early, because if untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to:. Take your early symptoms seriously. Blood glucose levels drop during the night, which means that people with diabetes may experience low blood sugar in the mornings. This is called…. Insulin and glucagon are hormones that help to regulate blood sugar levels.

In imbalance of either of these important chemical messengers can play a…. Can you have hypoglycemia without diabetes? Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.

What is hypoglycemia? Causes without diabetes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Non-diabetic hypoglycemia diet Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels fall dangerously low. Share on Pinterest Hypoglycemia is when blood sugar levels are very low. Causes of hypoglycemia without diabetes.

Share on Pinterest Dizziness and confusion can be symptoms of hypoglycemia. Share on Pinterest Glucose tablets can help to raise blood sugar levels.

Non-diabetic hypoglycemia diet. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals.

Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. All about hypoglycemia low blood sugar.