PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Hypoglycemia is a condition characterized by an abnormally low level of blood sugar, or glucose. Like fever, hypoglycemia is not a disease itself — it is an indicator of a health problem.
causes
- may be side affect of diabetes medications
- excessive alcohol consumption
- severe hepatitis, kidney disorders, long-term starvation or anorexia
- hormone deficiencies
- insulin overproduction from pancreas tumors (insulinoma)
- postprandial hypoglycemia (after meals; common in individuals after stomach surgery)
Characteristics
Hypoglycemia occurs when
the body's glucose is used up too quickly,
glucose is released into the bloodstream too slowly, or
too much insulin is released into the bloodstream.
signs symptoms
- Fatigue
Hunger
Headache
Depression
Anxiety
Nervousness
Irritability
Rapid heartbeat
Shaking or trembling
Tingling, numb, or pale skin
Sleeping difficulties
Blurred vision
Excessive sweating
Mental confusion
Incoherent speech
Bizarre or aggressive behavior
Fainting
Convulsions
testing procedures
- 3 criteria are used to evaluate hypoglycemia, known as "Whipple's Triad"
- 1)Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia; if not exhibiting signs during doctor's visit, you may be required to come in fasting or glucose levels will be checked after a meal
- 2) Documentation of low blood glucose when the signs and symptoms occur; blood samples will be drawn and analyized in a laboratory
- 3) Disappearance of the signs and symptoms; do signs and symptoms go away after glucose levels are raised?
- physical examination and family history will be investigated as well
treatment
- treatment involves both immediate action to raise blood sugar levels and the treatment of the underlying cause in order to prevent it
- eating 15-20g of fast-acting carbohydrates, such as candy, fruit juice, soda, or honey (repeat until glucose levels are above 70mg/dL)
- once blood sugars are back to normal, have a snack or meal to stabilize blood sugar
- with diabetes, check blood sugar levels regularly, do not skip meals (eat every 3-4 hrs)
- alter diet, exercise, and water intake
Prognosis
It is very rare that hypoglycemia accompanies a life-threatening disease. As long as diet and lifestyle are regulated and adjusted accordingly, you will be expected to live a normal life.
