Can overweight people have low blood sugar?
Oct 11, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Pan Yongyuan
Introduction
Overweight individuals can experience hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia occurs when blood glucose levels in the body are reduced due to insufficient sugar intake or production, excessive consumption, or excessive conversion. During dieting for weight loss, obese individuals may not consume enough sugar, leading to endocrine disorders and triggering hypoglycemia. Additionally, conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and diabetes can also reduce blood glucose levels and cause hypoglycemia.
Overweight individuals may experience hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is not directly related to obesity; it primarily results from decreased blood glucose levels in the body.
In adults, fasting blood glucose below 2.8 mmol/L, or blood glucose ≤3.9 mmol/L in diabetic patients, is considered hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia occurs when blood glucose levels drop due to insufficient sugar intake, inadequate glucose production, or excessive sugar consumption and conversion. Therefore, obese individuals undergoing dieting for weight loss may develop endocrine disorders due to inadequate sugar intake, leading to hypoglycemia. Additionally, obese individuals have a higher risk of developing diseases—such as hypertension, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and diabetes—which may also contribute to reduced blood glucose levels, triggering hypoglycemia and symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, dizziness, and tremors in the hands and feet.
When hypoglycemic symptoms occur, consuming sugary drinks, fruit juice, or similar foods can quickly alleviate the symptoms. In severe cases, intravenous glucose administration under medical supervision may be necessary to rapidly raise blood glucose levels.
