Hypoglycemia occurs if blood glucose levels fall below normal. It is generally defined as blood sugar below 70 mg/dL, although this level may not necessarily cause symptoms in all patients.
Causes of hypoglycemia
- Acute hepatic coma
- Addison’s disease
- Alcohol intake
- Cirrhosis
- Excess exercise
- Fructose intolerance
- Gastroenteritis
- Hypopituitarism
- Insufficient intake of food
- Insulinomas
- Long-term diabetes
- Partial gastrectomy
- Respiratory illnesses
- Retroperitoneal fibrosarcoma
- Tight blood sugar control
Hypoglycemia unawareness
This is a condition in which people become accustomed to hypoglycemic symptoms. They may no longer notice hypoglycemic signs until they become more severe. In such cases, hypoglycemia appears suddenly, without warning, and can escalate to a severe level. Even a single recent episode of hypoglycemia may make it more difficult to detect the next episode.
Symptoms And Signs
A. Mild
- hunger
- rapid heartbeat
- sweating
- trembling
B. Moderate
- headache
- hunger
- nervousness
- palpitations
- sweating
- tremors
- weakness
C. Severe
- combativeness
- confusion
- disorientation
- weakness
- coma
- seizure
- death
Investigations
- Blood glucose monitoring
- Fish insulin suppression test
- Coeliac axis angiography
Treatment
- Acute attack
Administration of rapidly absorbable carbohydrates like orange juice, candy, and corn syrup.
- Conservative
Diet consists of slowly absorbable carbohydrates (bread, fruits, vegetables), proteins, and fat.
- Surgery
- Removal of islet cell tumour
- Partial resection of the pancreas