What is hypoglycemia?
Aug 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the main causes of hypoglycemia include prolonged fasting, excessive energy consumption after strenuous exercise, adrenal cortical insufficiency, insulinoma, and liver failure. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, one should maintain regular meal times with appropriate portion sizes and avoid excessive dieting.
Generally, the main causes of hypoglycemia include prolonged fasting, excessive energy consumption after strenuous exercise, adrenal cortical insufficiency, insulinoma, and liver failure. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a qualified hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Prolonged fasting
When food is not consumed for a long time, the body's stored glucose is gradually consumed and cannot meet normal physiological needs, leading to a drop in blood sugar levels and causing hypoglycemia. It is important to maintain regular meal times and avoid prolonged fasting. Between meals, fruits, nuts, and other snacks can be appropriately consumed.
2. Excessive energy consumption after strenuous exercise
During intense exercise, the body's demand for glucose significantly increases, resulting in substantial consumption of blood glucose. If not replenished promptly, this can lead to hypoglycemia. After exercising, carbohydrates such as bread and sports drinks should be consumed promptly to restore depleted energy.
3. Adrenal cortical insufficiency
Glucocorticoids secreted by the adrenal cortex help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Patients with this condition have insufficient glucocorticoid secretion, which affects glucose metabolism, leading to reduced blood sugar levels and hypoglycemia. Under medical guidance, drugs such as hydrocortisone tablets, prednisone tablets, or methylprednisolone tablets can be used to supplement glucocorticoids and regulate glucose metabolism.
4. Insulinoma
An insulinoma autonomously secretes excessive insulin, which accelerates glucose uptake and utilization, rapidly lowering blood glucose levels and causing hypoglycemia, often occurring during fasting. Surgical treatments, such as insulinoma resection, can remove the tumor to reduce insulin secretion and alleviate symptoms.
5. Liver failure
The liver is an important organ for glucose storage and metabolism. In cases of liver failure, the liver's ability to synthesize and release glucose declines, making it difficult to maintain normal blood sugar levels, which can result in hypoglycemia. Under medical guidance, drugs such as glucose injection, glucurolactone tablets, and silybin capsules can be used to supplement glucose and protect liver function.
In daily life, it is important to eat meals at regular times and in appropriate quantities, avoiding excessive dieting; during exercise, intensity and duration should be controlled according to individual capacity, avoiding exercising on an empty stomach; carry candies, chocolates, etc., for prompt consumption when hypoglycemic symptoms occur; and regularly monitor blood sugar levels. Especially for individuals with underlying diseases, follow medical advice to adjust treatment and dietary plans accordingly.
