Hypoglycemia
Our hypoglycemia specialists in New York are here for you. Our team of endocrine doctors near you are dedicated to supporting your success and ensuring that you regain your metabolic health and overall wellness.
What Is Hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia, also known as low blood glucose levels, is a medical condition characterized by abnormally low levels of blood glucose (blood sugar). In hypoglycemia, the blood glucose level falls below the normal range, typically below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L). It is a critical metabolic state resulting from an imbalance between glucose utilization and endogenous glucose production. Hypoglycemia can affect the central nervous system due to the brain's reliance on glucose as its primary energy source. In clinical practice, hypoglycemia is categorized based on severity: mild hypoglycemia, where the patient can self-treat; moderate hypoglycemia, which requires assistance but no medical intervention; and severe hypoglycemia, necessitating medical intervention due to potential cognitive impairment or unconsciousness. Biochemically, hypoglycemia involves an inadequate hepatic glycogenolysis or gluconeogenesis response, coupled with excessive peripheral glucose uptake or insulin action.
What Are the Causes of Hypoglycemia?
The most common causes of hypoglycemia include:
Diabetes mellitus and the medications used to treat it, particularly insulin and certain oral antidiabetic drugs
Certain medical conditions, such as kidney or liver disorders, adrenal insufficiency, and tumors in the pancreas which overproduce insulin
Excessive alcohol intake
Insufficient food intake or prolonged fasting
Weight loss surgery
The symptoms of hypoglycemia can vary in severity and may include:
Shakiness, sweating, and increased heart rate
Confusion, irritability, and difficulty concentrating
Headache, dizziness, and fatigue
Nausea, hunger, and blurred vision
In severe cases, seizures, coma, and even death
To be diagnosed with hypoglycemia, certain criteria must be satisfied. A patient must have symptoms of low blood sugar, have labs showing low blood sugar at the time of symptoms and feel better after eating something that raises blood sugar to a normal level.
What Are the Treatments and Therapies for Hypoglycemia?
The immediate treatment for hypoglycemia involves quickly increasing the blood glucose level, typically by consuming fast-acting carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets, fruit juice, or sugary snacks. In severe cases, intravenous glucose or glucagon (a hormone that raises blood glucose) may be administered. Long-term management may involve adjusting medications, dietary changes, or addressing the underlying medical condition causing the hypoglycemia.
How Can Well by Messer Help You with Hypoglycemia?
Similar to our approach to many other conditions, at Well by Messer we treat hypoglycemia as a multidisciplinary team with our patients. Many times, hypoglycemia accompanies other conditions, such as when treating diabetes mellitus, so it could potentially be an ongoing problem. Our hypoglycemia specialists focus on diagnosing the cause of low blood glucose levels through blood tests and, in some cases, imaging. Together, with our dietician, they create a treatment plan with patients focusing on dietary changes to minimize hypoglycemic episodes. Sometimes certain medications can contribute to hypoglycemia, so close follow up is essential to treat this condition.
Meet the Well by Messer (WBM) Team
Under the leadership of top endocrinologist in New York, Dr. Caroline Messer, our caring and talented team of board-certified endocrinologists, psychologists, nutritionists, and personal trainers will be dedicated to supporting your success and regaining your metabolic health at our metabolic centers in Manhattan.
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