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What is hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a condition where a person’s blood sugar drops dramatically. As the doctor notes, this condition can occur both in patients with diabetes mellitus and in healthy people.
This is such a syndrome when there is a disorder in the activity of many organs, including the central nervous system. There is also a violation of consciousness up to hypoglycemic coma, which threatens human life. Treatment should be initiated as soon as possible when symptoms of hypoglycemia appear. Hypoglycemia cannot be confused with anything.
Causes of Hypoglycemia in Adults
The doctor identifies two main causes of hypoglycemia:
- too much insulin in the blood – a person shot it;
- The patient did not eat on time.
“That is why it is very important for diabetics to monitor nutrition, diet and daily routine,” says Nuria Delmukhametova.
Note that hypoglycemia is a companion of diabetics, but there are other reasons for its occurrence. For example, physiological – they are possible in healthy people and pathological – just associated with the disease.
Physiological include prolonged fasting, dehydration, severe stress, exercise on an empty stomach.
Pathological just include diabetes mellitus, cirrhosis of the liver, gastrointestinal diseases – when glucose is not absorbed, alcohol intoxication, renal failure, sepsis.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia in adults
With hypoglycemia, blood sugar drops and the patient experiences symptoms such as:
- cold sweat;
- weakness;
- clouding in the eyes;
- feelings of fear and coldness.
Treatment of hypoglycemia in adults
The treatment for hypoglycemia is to urgently restore the person’s vital glucose levels. Depending on the patient’s condition, he is given oral sugar or intravenous dextrose. When the patient’s condition is severe, glucagon may be given parenterally. To prevent this condition from recurring, it is necessary to identify the cause of its occurrence.
Diagnostics
If you suspect that you have hypoglycemia, then you should consult a therapist. The doctor will collect all complaints, examine and send for additional studies:
- determination of the concentration of glucose in the blood and daily monitoring of glucose levels;
- glucose tolerance test;
- general blood and urine analysis;
- biochemical blood test with the determination of total protein and albumin;
- biochemical analysis of urine with the determination of the level of glucose in the urine;
- study of hormonal status: insulin level;
- laboratory assessment of the pituitary-adrenal system;
- laboratory evaluation of thyroid function;
- laboratory assessment of the somatotropic function of the pituitary gland;
- a study of feces (coprogram) to assess the effectiveness of digestion.
Also, a specialist can refer you to an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, pancreas and liver.
After the studies, the doctor will determine the cause of hypoglycemia and prescribe treatment.
Modern treatments
Immediate therapy is to provide the patient with glucose. Those patients who have retained the ability to eat and drink, with the manifestation of hypoglycemia, can drink fruit juice, eat candy or other sweets. If a person is in serious condition, then you need to subcutaneously or intramuscularly inject 0,5 mg (with a weight <20 kg) or 1 mg (with a weight ≥20 kg) of glucagon or simultaneously subcutaneously or intravenously 50-100 ml of 50% dextrose solution. It is necessary to cancel any means that cause hypoglycemia, including alcohol. Seek medical attention immediately after seizures.
Prevention of hypoglycemia in adults at home
Diabetics need to be responsible for their diet and insulin administration: do not skip meals, calculate the dose of insulin, measure glucose with a glucometer before and after meals.
Carry hard candies, sweets, sugar cubes, or fruit juices with you to take if you have an attack.
If episodes of hypoglycemia, not associated with diabetes, appear frequently, you should seek advice from an endocrinologist or therapist.
Popular questions and answers
Answers Nuria Delmukhametova, endocrinologist.