Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose)
About Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose)
A condition of low glucose (sugar) in the blood. Causes of hypoglycemia include : 1) taking too much insulin or oral diabetic medications; 2) not eating or drinking enough; 3) liver disease; 4) an insulin producing tumor of the pancreas; 5) drinking excessive alcohol. Sometimes no cause is found. If severe and untreated it can lead to stroke and death.Symptoms
Hunger, irritability, confusion, seizures, unconsciousness, sweating, death.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood glucose measurement and other blood tests will be checked to determine the cause of the low glucose.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Urinalysis (UA).
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Treatment options include improving nutrition, oral or intravenous glucose, or glucagon. The cause of the low blood sugar needs to be identified and treated to prevent recurrence.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Pediatrics · Endocrinology · Family Practice · Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism · Pediatric Endocrinology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).