Hypoglycemia without diabetes: what does it mean?
People without diabetes may experience hypoglycemia or hypoglycemia. This can happen if you take certain medications, have a serious infection, or have other serious problems affecting your organs.
Hypoglycemia is a condition that occurs when blood sugar (glucose) levels are too low. Many people think that hypoglycemia only occurs in people with diabetes. However, it can also occur in people without diabetes.
This can occur in people who do not have diabetes but have other underlying conditions or who drink too much alcohol.
Hypoglycemia can occur in people with diabetes if the body produces too much insulin, a hormone that breaks down sugar so you can use it for energy. You may also experience hypoglycemia if you have diabetes and take too much insulin.
If you don’t have diabetes, hypoglycemia can occur when you don’t have enough sugar in your blood or if your body can’t stabilize your blood sugar levels. This happens in people without diabetes when your level drops below
Low blood sugar means your body doesn’t have enough energy to function properly or complete activities.
Non-diabetic hypoglycemia can result from taking certain medications, drinking too much alcohol, skipping meals, or an underlying health problem.
You get glucose (your body’s main source of energy) from food. For this reason, you might experience a drop in your blood sugar after going several hours without eating or if you don’t eat before a workout. In either case, eating can help stabilize your blood sugar.
On the other hand, persistent problems with non-diabetic hypoglycemia (not related to food intake) could indicate decreased insulin production. This may be related to problems with your:
- metabolism
- hormone levels
- organs (kidneys, liver or pancreas)
Hypoglycemia in people without diabetes is
Everyone reacts differently to fluctuations in their blood sugar levels. Symptoms of hypoglycemia may include:
You can have hypoglycemia without symptoms. This is called hypoglycemia ignorance.
Learn more about type 2 diabetes
Hypoglycemia is either reactive or nonreactive. The two types have different causes.
Reactive hypoglycemia
Reactive hypoglycemia occurs a few hours after a meal. Overproduction of insulin causes reactive hypoglycemia. Reactive hypoglycemia can mean you are at risk of developing diabetes.
Non-reactive hypoglycemia
Non-reactive hypoglycemia is not necessarily meal-related and may be due to an underlying condition. Causes of non-reactive or fasting hypoglycemia include:
- certain medications
- excessive amounts of alcohol, which can prevent your liver from producing glucose
- any disorder affecting the liver, heart or kidneys
- eating disorders, such as anorexia
- pregnancy
Although rare, a pancreatic tumor can cause the body to produce too much insulin or an insulin-like substance, leading to hypoglycemia. Hormone deficiencies can also cause hypoglycemia, because hormones control blood sugar levels.
Dumping syndrome
If you have had stomach surgery to relieve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, you may be at risk of developing a condition known as dumping syndrome. Dumping syndrome also occurs in people who have had gastric bypass surgery.
In late dumping syndrome, the body releases excess insulin in response to high-carbohydrate meals. This can lead to hypoglycemia and associated symptoms.
Possible causes of hypoglycemia without diabetes
Several factors can cause hypoglycemia, even if you do not have diabetes. Causes of hypoglycemia without diabetes include:
- drinking alcohol
- taking certain medications, including certain antibiotics and medications for malaria or pneumonia, lithium, and certain heart medications such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and non-selective beta blockers
- kidney problems
- problems with your adrenal or pituitary gland
- pancreatic tumors
- serious infections
- liver disease
- pancreatic tumor
- immune system producing antibodies, either against insulin or insulin receptors, after bariatric surgery
- anorexia nervosa
Possible causes of hypoglycemia with diabetes
Causes of hypoglycemia in people with diabetes include:
- not eating enough
- skip meals
- drinking alcohol
- take too much insulin
- increase physical activity without making changes to your diet or diabetes medications
Hypoglycemia without diabetes can occur in both children and adults. You are at increased risk of developing hypoglycemia if you:
- have other health problems
- have family members with diabetes
- have had certain types of stomach surgery
A doctor must identify the cause of your hypoglycemia to determine the right treatment for you.
Glucose will help raise your blood sugar in the short term. One way to get more glucose is to eat 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Drinking fruit juice can help introduce more glucose into your blood. These sources of glucose often correct hypoglycemia briefly, but another drop in blood sugar often follows.
Eating foods high in complex carbohydrates, such as pasta and whole grains, can maintain blood sugar levels after a period of hypoglycemia.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia can become so severe that they interfere with daily routines and activities. If you have severe hypoglycemia, you may need to carry glucose tablets or injectable glucagon.
Hypoglycemia can occur while fasting, meaning you have gone without eating for an extended period of time. A doctor may order a fasting test that requires a person to fast 8 hours beforehand.
Another test is a mixed meal tolerance test. This test is for people who experience hypoglycemia after eating.
Results are usually available within a day or two. If your blood sugar level is below
Keep track of your symptoms with a symptom diary. This information can help with diagnosis. The log must include:
- symptoms
- what you ate
- how long before or after a meal your symptoms appeared
Unmanaged hypoglycemia can lead to long-term health problems. Your body needs glucose to function. Without the right level of glucose, your body will have difficulty performing its normal functions. As a result, you may have difficulty thinking clearly and completing daily tasks.
Serious side effects
If left untreated, hypoglycemia can have several serious side effects, including:
If you experience any of these complications, you or a loved one should seek emergency medical attention.
Ignorance of hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia unawareness occurs when you do not experience warning symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as hunger, sweating, and trembling.
Because of this, you may not realize that your blood sugar levels have dropped, which can make you more vulnerable to serious symptoms of hypoglycemia.
If you think you are not aware of hypoglycemia, you can talk to a doctor to determine the best treatment.
This may include checking your blood sugar more frequently, adjusting your medications, or working with a certified diabetes educator to learn how to recognize the warning signs of hypoglycemia.
Long-term complications
Low blood sugar can increase the risk of many diseases, including heart disease.
In fact, research
In some cases, changes to your diet and meal times can resolve hypoglycemia and prevent future episodes. Follow these tips to prevent hypoglycemia:
If you are not diabetic
Even if you don’t have diabetes, it’s important to eat regularly to prevent hypoglycemia. Ideally, meals and snacks should contain a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and heart-healthy fats to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
You may also want to keep a few healthy snacks on hand in case you start to experience side effects such as hunger, sweating, or tremors. Easy snack ideas for low blood sugar levels may include:
- fresh fruit
- trail mix
- crackers with peanut butter or other nut or seed butter
If you regularly experience hypoglycemia, a doctor may determine that underlying factors could be playing a role.
If you have diabetes
If you have diabetes, you can prevent hypoglycemia by:
- monitor your blood sugar regularly
- eat regularly and follow a balanced diet
- take diabetes medications as directed by your doctor
- discuss any changes to your diet or exercise routine with your doctor, as he or she may need to adjust the dosage or timing of your medication
- keep fruit juice or glucose tablets on hand in case your blood sugar levels drop
A doctor or dietitian can help you determine how many carbohydrates you need to eat at each meal to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Wearing a medical ID bracelet with basic information about your medical history can also be beneficial in an emergency.
What can mimic hypoglycemia?
Symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness, sweating, and headache, can occur with other health problems, such as heart problems, hyperthyroidism, certain medications, dehydration, and certain medical conditions. mental or psychiatric.
Why would my blood sugar drop if I don’t have diabetes?
People who do not have diabetes may have hypoglycemia due to certain medications, underlying health conditions, excessive alcohol consumption, or skipping meals.
What should I do if my blood sugar is low?
If your blood sugar is low, you can try drinking fruit juice or eating a snack, such as trail mix, to help raise your blood sugar.
Hypoglycemia is a serious condition that can occur when your blood sugar levels drop too low. Although it is more common in people with diabetes, it can also occur due to other health conditions.
If left untreated, hypoglycemia can cause serious side effects and long-term health consequences.
However, there are many ways to prevent hypoglycemia, including eating regularly, following a healthy diet, carefully monitoring your blood sugar, taking medications as directed by your doctor, and in some cases, surgery.
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