Non-Diabetic Hypoglycemia
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
Non-diabetic hypoglycemia is a condition that causes the sugar (glucose) in your blood to drop too low. This can happen in people who do not have diabetes. The 2 types of non-diabetic hypoglycemia are fasting hypoglycemia and reactive hypoglycemia. Fasting hypoglycemia often happens after a person goes without food for 8 hours or longer. Reactive hypoglycemia usually happens about 2 to 4 hours after a meal. When your blood sugar level is low, your muscles and brain cells do not have enough energy to work well.
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An IV
is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.
Medicines:
- Glucagon is a hormone that may be given to help increase your blood sugar level. Glucagon is usually given as a shot.
- Glucose may be given through an IV if you cannot swallow foods that have carbohydrate.
Tests:
- Blood tests are done to measure your blood sugar levels. These tests may also be done to find the cause of your hypoglycemia.
- Fasting tests may be done. You may have an overnight fasting test or a 72-hour fasting test. After you have fasted overnight, your blood sugar levels will be tested 2 times. For a 72-hour fasting test, you will not be given food for a period of up to 72 hours. During this time, healthcare providers will check to see if your blood sugar drops to a certain level.
- An oral glucose tolerance test may be done. After you have fasted for 8 hours, your blood sugar level is tested. You are then given a glucose drink. Your blood sugar level is checked after 1 hour and again after 2 hours. Healthcare providers look at how much your blood sugar level increases from the first check.
Treatment:
Treatment depends on the cause of your hypoglycemia. For example, your healthcare provider will change or stop giving you the medicine that is causing hypoglycemia. You may need to take hormones if you have low levels of hormones that are causing hypoglycemia. You may need to change what and when you eat to prevent low blood sugar levels. Dietitians will work with you to make changes to the foods you eat.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
RISKS:
Without treatment, you may develop severe hypoglycemia. Severe hypoglycemia can cause you to faint or have a seizure. You could also go into a coma.
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