When the glucose level is below the normal range, we can talk about hypoglycemia, a condition that requires observation when blood sugar levels are below 70mg/dl; otherwise, evaluation and treatment when levels are below 50mg/dl, which implies an alert and deserves immediate attention. On this occasion, Dr. Jesús Rocca, an endocrinologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma, will give us more information on the matter.

How does hypoglycemia occur?

When glucose levels drop below 70 mg/dl, the body produces catecholamines (hormones produced by the adrenal glands) that generate the following in people:

• Palpitations
• Nervousness
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Increased blood pressure
• Increase of cardiac frequency

On the other hand, when glucose falls below 50 mg/dl, drowsiness, loss of consciousness and even seizures may occur.

What are the causes of hypoglycemia?

Among the main causes are:

Organic causes:

• Endocrinopathies: hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, hypopituitarism, growth hormone deficiency
• Drugs: excess insulin and use of sulfonylureas
• Renal insufficiency
• Liver failure
• Neoplasms, mainly large

Functional Causes:

• Insulin resistance
• Dumping syndrome
• Very anxious people, among others

What are its possible complications?

Depending on the cause, these can be severe. With each hypoglycemia, neurons can be destroyed and thus slowly produce a picture of cognitive deterioration.

If hypoglycemia is severe and not treated, there may be seizures, marked arrhythmias, even leading to death.

Prevention

Depending on the cause, if it is functional, only changes in diet may be enough. On the other hand, if the cause is organic and related to medications, the picture improves with the suspension of these drugs; and if it is due to hormonal deficiency, with their replacement the clinical picture can also improve.

Dr. Jesús Rocca
Endocrinologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma