Hypoglycemia is a very common acute complication in the management of diabetes. Hypoglycemia is diagnosed when the blood glucose level is less than 3.9 mmol/l. Many people wonder how diabetes can be prone to hypoglycemia when the blood sugar is high.
Body blood glucose is regulated by insulin, which lowers blood glucose, and glucagon, which raises blood glucose, to keep it in balance. Not only do people with diabetes have poor insulin secretion, but they also produce less glucagon than normal people.
Which patients are prone to hypoglycemia?
When the body’s need for energy is not met in a timely manner, such as an over-controlled diet, in addition to not eating in a timely manner after taking medication, after an insulin shot, etc., glucagon is not secreted in a timely manner when blood glucose is lowered, and blood glucose becomes imbalanced, which can cause hypoglycemia.
Second, patients with poor liver and kidney function are more likely to have hypoglycemia. The liver is the organ that metabolizes insulin, and the kidneys are the organ that excretes insulin. When the kidneys are not functioning well, they cannot excrete insulin in a timely manner, and too much insulin can induce hypoglycemia, which often occurs in the morning.
In addition, eating a lot of sweets can also easily cause hypoglycemia. This is because the high sugar content of sweets stimulates the secretion of large amounts of insulin, which can induce reactive hypoglycemia.
Responding to hypoglycemia: “Rescue cards” and drinking sugar water
When mild hypoglycemia occurs, patients should immediately consume sugary foods, such as bread, juice, sugar water, and fructose, and monitor their blood glucose levels promptly. If the blood glucose level remains below 3.9 mmol/L and symptoms do not completely resolve, sugary foods should continue to be supplemented, preferably with glucose. Patients with hypoglycemia who have become comatose should be taken to the hospital for treatment at the first opportunity, at which point glucagon should be administered through an IV.
It is important to carry high-sugar foods and a “rescue card” with you. The patient can record some simple information on the card, such as his or her name, illness, and family contact information, so that passersby can give him or her a hand.