Hypoglycemia, a somewhat complex term, can seem difficult to pronounce and understand. Although it is often associated with people with diabetes, it is important to note that hypoglycemia can also affect individuals without diabetes. Therefore, it is essential to know how to detect the symptoms and understand the causes.
What is hypoglycemia?
Definition of hypoglycemia
What is hypoglycemia? This is a fundamental question to fully understand the subject. The term "hypoglycemia" comes from the Greek: "hypo" means lack, "glykys" means sugar in French, and "émie" is derived from "haima", meaning blood. Literally, this term translates to "too little sugar in the blood". In other words, hypoglycemia corresponds to a blood glucose level that is too low, below 0.7 g/L (or 70 mg/dL). Although often associated with diabetes, hypoglycemia can also affect people without diabetes. It is therefore crucial to know how to detect its symptoms and understand its causes.
Meaning of Blood Sugar Levels
Blood glucose levels, or blood sugar, measure the concentration of glucose circulating in the blood and are expressed in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). These levels help assess the body's glycemic balance. Keeping blood sugar levels within the normal range is crucial to avoiding complications related to hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
Identifying the symptoms of hypoglycemia
This complex term covers both common symptoms and severe symptoms. We can confirm that it is not always easy to distinguish between them!
What are the symptoms of a hypoglycemic attack?
Common symptoms
Common symptoms of hypoglycemia include: shaking, excessive sweating, intense hunger, tiredness or weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness, heart palpitations, irritability or anxiety, headache, and blurred vision.
Severe symptoms
Severe symptoms of hypoglycemia include confusion or disorientation, difficulty speaking or coordinating movements, unusual behavior or sudden mood changes, seizures, loss of consciousness, and, in extreme cases, hypoglycemic coma.
Recognizing the warning signs
For people with and without diabetes, recognizing the warning signs is crucial to quickly identifying hypoglycemia. The common and severe symptoms described above can help diagnose low blood glucose levels. It is important to be alert to the early signs and act quickly to avoid serious complications related to hypoglycemia.
The main causes of hypoglycemia
There are different types of hypoglycemia: hypoglycemia in people with diabetes and hypoglycemia in people without diabetes.
Hypoglycemia in diabetics
The main factors for hypoglycemia in diabetics are often related to imbalances in diabetes management and treatment.
First, an overdose of insulin or antidiabetic medications is a common cause. This is because diabetics, especially those treated with insulin or medications such as sulfonylureas, may administer too high a dose, causing blood glucose levels to drop too low.
Other reasons include delayed or skipped meals. Not eating on time or skipping a meal after taking insulin or medications can cause hypoglycemia because the body does not have enough glucose to compensate for the drop caused by these treatments.
Intense or prolonged physical activity can also cause increased use of glucose by muscles, thereby reducing blood sugar levels, especially if dietary intake is not adjusted accordingly.
Alcohol consumption is another major risk factor. Alcohol, especially when consumed without a meal, can prevent the liver from releasing glucose into the blood, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.
Miscalculating the amount of carbohydrates in meals relative to the insulin dose is also a notable cause. For example, injecting too much insulin relative to the amount of carbohydrates consumed can cause hypoglycemia.
Finally, certain infections or diseases can disrupt glycemic balance by altering the body's appetite or energy needs, thereby increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.
These factors highlight the importance of careful diabetes management and careful monitoring of blood glucose levels to avoid hypoglycemic episodes in diabetics.
Hypoglycemia in non-diabetics
In people without diabetes, hypoglycemia can be caused by a variety of factors. But who can be hypoglycemic without being diabetic? First, prolonged fasting or poor nutrition, especially severe calorie restriction or a low-carb diet, can cause low blood sugar levels. Second, excessive alcohol consumption, especially when ingested without food, can prevent the liver from releasing glucose, causing hypoglycemia.
Some hormonal disorders, such as adrenal insufficiency or hypopituitarism, can disrupt glucose regulation and contribute to hypoglycemia. Hyperinsulinism, which is caused by excessive insulin production (for example, in insulinoma, a benign tumor of the pancreas), also causes low blood sugar levels.
In addition, reactive hypoglycemia syndrome, characterized by a drop in blood sugar a few hours after a carbohydrate-rich meal, can affect some people. Intense physical activity without adequate carbohydrate intake is also a risk factor.
Finally, some medications, such as quinolone antibiotics or beta-blockers, can cause hypoglycemia in people without diabetes. These various factors underscore the importance of monitoring blood sugar levels and being alert to potential hypoglycemia triggers.
Diagnosis of hypoglycemia
To better understand your body and adapt treatments, it is essential to make an accurate diagnosis.
The importance of making a diagnosis
Making an accurate diagnosis of hypoglycemia is essential for several important reasons. First, it helps prevent serious complications, such as seizures, loss of consciousness, or hypoglycemic coma, that can occur when blood sugar levels drop severely. So what are the risks of hypoglycemia? Second, a diagnosis helps identify underlying causes, such as insulinoma or adrenal insufficiency, which require specific treatments. In people with diabetes, a diagnosis allows for adjustments in medication or insulin doses, and changes in diet or exercise to better control blood sugar. It also helps improve the patient's quality of life, as they can learn to recognize and manage their symptoms, and thus prevent recurrences. Finally, an accurate diagnosis prevents errors by ruling out conditions that could be confused with hypoglycemia, such as psychiatric or cardiovascular disorders. Correctly diagnosing hypoglycemia is essential to ensure effective management, patient safety, and prevention of serious health consequences. In addition, it is important to understand the differences between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia to better manage your health.
What are the diagnostic criteria?
The diagnostic criteria for hypoglycemia are based on the so-called Whipple triad, as well as clinical and laboratory tests. This includes blood glucose measurement, prolonged fasting tests, hormonal and metabolic tests, and the oral glucose tolerance test (especially for reactive hypoglycemia). These criteria not only confirm a diagnosis of hypoglycemia but also exclude hyperglycemia and direct towards further testing to determine the cause and define the appropriate treatment.
Treatments for this drop in blood sugar
Immediate treatments to correct hypoglycemia
To quickly correct hypoglycemia, we recommend that people start by consuming about 15 to 20 grams of fast carbohydrates, such as 3 to 4 glucose tablets, a glass of fruit juice, or a tablespoon of sugar. Then wait 15 minutes and check the blood glucose level. If it is still below 70 mg/dL, repeat the consumption of fast carbohydrates. Afterwards, it is advisable to eat a meal or snack containing slow-absorbing carbohydrates, such as a slice of whole-grain bread or a piece of fruit, to stabilize blood sugar.
Long-term measures
To prevent hypoglycemia and adjust your diabetes treatment according to medical recommendations, it is important to eat balanced meals at regular intervals and avoid skipping meals. If you lack inspiration, you can visit our site to discover various recipe ideas. It is also necessary to adapt your physical activity by adjusting your diet or medication if necessary. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor regularly to review and adjust your diabetes treatment plan. Finally, wear a medical identification bracelet and a glucagon kit if recommended.
How to prevent hypoglycemia?
Tips on nutrition
What foods to eat if you have hypoglycemia? To prevent hypoglycemia, it is crucial to maintain a balanced and regular diet. Eat meals that include complex carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins. Snack on healthy foods, such as nuts or yogurt, if you have long periods between meals. Avoid foods high in fast sugars, which can cause sudden spikes and drops in blood sugar, and opt for carbohydrates with a low glycemic index. Apple cider vinegar can also help regulate blood sugar. The benefits of apple cider vinegar include its regulating effect on blood sugar.
A comprehensive meta-analysis confirmed that a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, diluted in water before a meal, can reduce the glycemic impact, i.e. the amount of glucose present in the blood, by 30%. This regulation is made possible by the action of acetic acid, which is involved in the regulation of blood sugar and insulin. As a result, this regulation has the effect of limiting the conversion of sugars into triglycerides, as well as the formation of new fat cells. As for its use, to benefit from these regulating effects on blood sugar, it is recommended to consume a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in a large glass of water before each meal, up to three times a day. Finally, make sure to drink enough water throughout the day to maintain stable blood sugar levels. To learn more, do not hesitate to read our article on apple cider vinegar and blood sugar .
Medication management
To effectively manage hypoglycemia and its medication treatment, it is essential to follow a few simple principles. First, take your medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor and never change the doses or schedules without consulting a healthcare professional. Monitor your blood sugar regularly to detect any drop in levels and adjust the doses of your medications if necessary. If you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia or have concerns about your medications, contact a healthcare professional immediately. Finally, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about potential side effects and drug interactions that could affect your blood sugar. They will help you optimize your treatment and avoid complications related to the causes of hypoglycemia. Also follow the recommendations of the Haute Autorité de Santé to ensure appropriate monitoring.
Tracking and self-monitoring
To manage hypoglycemia effectively, measure your blood sugar regularly with a glucometer. Record your results as well as details of your meals, snacks, and physical activity to identify patterns. Learn to recognize signs of hypoglycemia, such as shakiness or feeling unwell, and respond quickly with appropriate action. Review the effectiveness of your treatment with your doctor regularly and adjust as needed. If you experience frequent hypoglycemic episodes, use continuous monitoring devices if recommended to get real-time data on your blood sugar. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and specific adjustments.
Hypoglycemia, although complex, can be managed effectively by understanding its symptoms and causes. Constant attention to your diet, treatment, and blood sugar monitoring is essential to avoid complications. Apple cider vinegar , taken before meals, can help regulate blood sugar levels thanks to its regulating properties. Used in addition to medical treatment, it can improve the management of glucose levels. Always consult your doctor to adjust your treatment and follow the recommendations of the High Authority of Health for optimal management.
