Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Hypoglycemia?CausesRisk FactorsComplicationsTreatmentPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Hypoglycemia?
Causes
Risk Factors
Complications
Treatment
Prevention
Low blood sugar without diabetes isn’t as common ashypoglycemiain people with diabetes. Yet non-diabetic hypoglycemia can occur due to certain medications, medical conditions, and other causes.
A diagnosis is based on symptoms (like hunger, shakiness, and sweating), yourblood sugar levels, and how your symptoms respond when you eat sugar.
This article discusses the causes, risk factors, and symptoms associated with non-diabetic hypoglycemia. It also covers how it is diagnosed and treated, possible complications, and prevention tips.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
Hypoglycemia occurs when your blood sugar levels drop. When these levels are too low (below 70 milligrams per deciliter, or mg/dL) you may experience:
When left untreated, severe non-diabetic hypoglycemia can be dangerous. Serious symptoms include:
Facts About Hypoglycemia
What Causes Hypoglycemia
Non-diabetichypoglycemia causesvary, and it’s possible that more than one may be at play.
After a Meal
Reactive hypoglycemiatypically happens within a few hours of eating a meal. Also known as postprandial hypoglycemia, it is a poorly understood condition associated with excessive insulin production.
While the cause of reactive hypoglycemia in most people isn’t clear, it also may be related to a specific food that you ate or a variation in how food moves through the digestive tract.
Not Eating Enough
It’s possible that your nutrition is responsible for episodes of non-diabetic hypoglycemia. A balanced diet with well-timed meals may help to reduce symptoms and keep your blood sugar levels on target.
A diet for hypoglycemia may help. It emphasizes small meals more often (including an all-important breakfast) with limits on processed foods, caffeine, and more. Lean meats, whole grains, vegetables, and some fruits are healthy options.
Alcohol
Alcohol interferes with normal blood sugar regulation and can produce highs and lows that contribute to alcohol use disorder in some people.
If you notice that you’re more sensitive to the effects of alcohol than others, you may be experiencing a hypoglycemic reaction. Passing out or dozing off after a couple of drinks could indicate hypoglycemia, which may leave you more vulnerable to the hazards of drinking.
Having a drink with a meal rather than on an empty stomach can help buffer some of alcohol’s effects on blood sugar. Choosing foods with fiber, protein, and healthy fats can help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Gland Problems
Aside frominsulin, various hormones impact glucose regulation. Growth hormone from the pituitary gland and cortisol from the adrenal glands help maintain balanced blood sugar levels. Adrenal disorders, such asAddison’s disease, or pituitary disorders can cause hypoglycemia due to a lack of these blood sugar-stabilizing hormones.
The hormonal shifts inhypothyroidism(low thyroid hormone levels) may also lead to low blood sugars.This effect is seen in both children and adults with hypothyroidism and should be monitored as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Insulin autoimmune syndromeis a rare condition where the body creates antibodies that attack insulin. When insulin is under attack, it has to work extra hard to regulate blood sugar levels.
Dumping Syndrome
The pattern of dumping syndrome causes your body’s insulin production to spike, leading to hypoglycemia when the blood sugar level falls. People who have undergone recentbariatric surgeryoften experience hypoglycemia related to dumping syndrome.
What Is an Insulinoma?
What Is Dumping Syndrome?
Medication
Medications are the most common cause of hypoglycemia.The medications that can cause non-diabetic hypoglycemia include:
Disorders of the Liver
An underlying illness may contribute to low blood sugar levels. Your liver is central to maintaining balanced glucose levels, and any disruption of liver function can cause hypoglycemia.
Conditions that can lead to these disruptions include:
Renal failure, or kidney disease, also can cause hypoglycemia. It reduces the ability to clear insulin from the body, decreases appetite, and changes metabolic processes in your body that are key to keeping blood sugar levels stable.
Hyperinsulinema (High Insulin Levels)
Those at greater risk of developing non-diabetic hypoglycemia include people who are older in age and those who have other health conditions, like liver or kidney disease. Risk factors also include:
Recent history of bariatric surgery also may increase the likelihood of experiencing non-diabetic hypoglycemia episodes.
Hypoglycemia can lead to other medical conditions, including cardiovascular (heart) problems and cerebrovascular (stroke and brain injury) risks.In extreme cases, it can lead to seizures and progress to severe injury or death.
But even in more routine cases of low blood sugar levels, people can be at greater risk of falls or accidents. It’s important to be sure the underlying cause of non-diabetic hypoglycemia is diagnosed to help you avoid additional risks and complications.
Non-diabetic hypoglycemia is usually a symptom of another health problem or lifestyle imbalance that should be addressed. It isnota normal finding in people who aren’t diagnosed with diabetes.
How Hypoglycemia Is Diagnosed
Treatment of non-diabetic hypoglycemia involves addressing the cause, working to keep blood sugar stable throughout the day, and getting blood sugar back up fast when it dips too low.
Keeping Blood Sugar Stable
To keep your blood sugar more consistent on a regular basis, your healthcare provider may recommend:
Treating Sudden Dips
When your blood sugar dips and you need to raise it quickly, it may be recommended that you:
It’s imperative that those you spend the most time with know the signs of low blood sugar andwhat to do if you need help. This includes what foods to get you, how to administer glucagon (if applicable), and when to get you emergency care.You can also wear amedical ID braceletthat notifies others of your condition.
How Hypoglycemia Is Treated
To help prevent non-diabetic hypoglycemia:
Summary
Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Your healthcare provider may order specific blood tests to diagnose this condition. Treatment varies, but may include medication adjustments, dietary changes, and prescription medications.
If left untreated, non-diabetic hypoglycemia can lead to serious side effects and complications, however, there are steps you can take to help prevent this condition.
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Diabetes Association.Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia).Eckert-Norton M, Kirk S, eds.Non-diabetic hypoglycemia.J Clin Endocrinol & Metab. 2013;98(10):39A-40A. doi:10.1210/jc.2013-v98i10-39AEvans Kreider K, Pereira K, Padilla BI.Practical approaches to diagnosing, treating and preventing hypoglycemia in diabetes.Diabetes Ther. 2017;8(6):1427-1435. doi:10.1007/s13300-017-0325-9Volčanšek Š, Rahne Perc U, Lunder M, Pongrac Barlovič D.No indices of increased type 2 diabetes risk in individuals with reactive postprandial hypoglycemia.Metabolites. 2022;12(12):1232. doi:10.3390/metabo12121232Hypoglycemia Support Foundation.Diet.Hypoglycemia Support Foundation.Another tragic and unrecognized aspect of hypoglycemia – its connection to alcoholism.Drummond JB, Barbosa IG, Dantzer R, Teixeira AL.The effect of insulin-induced hypoglycemia on inflammatory markers: A systematic review.Brain Behav Immun. 2018 Oct;73:41-50. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2018.05.003.Kalra S, Unnikrishnan AG, Sahay R.The hypoglycemic side of hypothyroidism.Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2014;18(1):1-3. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.126517Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Insulin autoimmune syndrome.University of Michigan Medicine.Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in people without diabetes.John Hopkins Medicine.Insulinoma.MedlinePlus.Drug-induced low blood sugar.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Glycogen storage disease.Bansal N, Weinstock RS.Non-diabetic hypoglycemia. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Boyce A, et al., eds.Endotext. MDText.com, Inc.Pratiwi C, Mokoagow MI, Made Kshanti IA, Soewondo P.The risk factors of inpatient hypoglycemia: A systematic review.Heliyon. 2020;6(5):e03913. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03913National Institutes of Health.Non-diabetic hypoglycemia.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Diabetes Association.Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia).Eckert-Norton M, Kirk S, eds.Non-diabetic hypoglycemia.J Clin Endocrinol & Metab. 2013;98(10):39A-40A. doi:10.1210/jc.2013-v98i10-39AEvans Kreider K, Pereira K, Padilla BI.Practical approaches to diagnosing, treating and preventing hypoglycemia in diabetes.Diabetes Ther. 2017;8(6):1427-1435. doi:10.1007/s13300-017-0325-9Volčanšek Š, Rahne Perc U, Lunder M, Pongrac Barlovič D.No indices of increased type 2 diabetes risk in individuals with reactive postprandial hypoglycemia.Metabolites. 2022;12(12):1232. doi:10.3390/metabo12121232Hypoglycemia Support Foundation.Diet.Hypoglycemia Support Foundation.Another tragic and unrecognized aspect of hypoglycemia – its connection to alcoholism.Drummond JB, Barbosa IG, Dantzer R, Teixeira AL.The effect of insulin-induced hypoglycemia on inflammatory markers: A systematic review.Brain Behav Immun. 2018 Oct;73:41-50. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2018.05.003.Kalra S, Unnikrishnan AG, Sahay R.The hypoglycemic side of hypothyroidism.Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2014;18(1):1-3. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.126517Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Insulin autoimmune syndrome.University of Michigan Medicine.Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in people without diabetes.John Hopkins Medicine.Insulinoma.MedlinePlus.Drug-induced low blood sugar.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Glycogen storage disease.Bansal N, Weinstock RS.Non-diabetic hypoglycemia. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Boyce A, et al., eds.Endotext. MDText.com, Inc.Pratiwi C, Mokoagow MI, Made Kshanti IA, Soewondo P.The risk factors of inpatient hypoglycemia: A systematic review.Heliyon. 2020;6(5):e03913. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03913National Institutes of Health.Non-diabetic hypoglycemia.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Diabetes Association.Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia).Eckert-Norton M, Kirk S, eds.Non-diabetic hypoglycemia.J Clin Endocrinol & Metab. 2013;98(10):39A-40A. doi:10.1210/jc.2013-v98i10-39AEvans Kreider K, Pereira K, Padilla BI.Practical approaches to diagnosing, treating and preventing hypoglycemia in diabetes.Diabetes Ther. 2017;8(6):1427-1435. doi:10.1007/s13300-017-0325-9Volčanšek Š, Rahne Perc U, Lunder M, Pongrac Barlovič D.No indices of increased type 2 diabetes risk in individuals with reactive postprandial hypoglycemia.Metabolites. 2022;12(12):1232. doi:10.3390/metabo12121232Hypoglycemia Support Foundation.Diet.Hypoglycemia Support Foundation.Another tragic and unrecognized aspect of hypoglycemia – its connection to alcoholism.Drummond JB, Barbosa IG, Dantzer R, Teixeira AL.The effect of insulin-induced hypoglycemia on inflammatory markers: A systematic review.Brain Behav Immun. 2018 Oct;73:41-50. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2018.05.003.Kalra S, Unnikrishnan AG, Sahay R.The hypoglycemic side of hypothyroidism.Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2014;18(1):1-3. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.126517Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Insulin autoimmune syndrome.University of Michigan Medicine.Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in people without diabetes.John Hopkins Medicine.Insulinoma.MedlinePlus.Drug-induced low blood sugar.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Glycogen storage disease.Bansal N, Weinstock RS.Non-diabetic hypoglycemia. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Boyce A, et al., eds.Endotext. MDText.com, Inc.Pratiwi C, Mokoagow MI, Made Kshanti IA, Soewondo P.The risk factors of inpatient hypoglycemia: A systematic review.Heliyon. 2020;6(5):e03913. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03913National Institutes of Health.Non-diabetic hypoglycemia.
American Diabetes Association.Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia).
Eckert-Norton M, Kirk S, eds.Non-diabetic hypoglycemia.J Clin Endocrinol & Metab. 2013;98(10):39A-40A. doi:10.1210/jc.2013-v98i10-39A
Evans Kreider K, Pereira K, Padilla BI.Practical approaches to diagnosing, treating and preventing hypoglycemia in diabetes.Diabetes Ther. 2017;8(6):1427-1435. doi:10.1007/s13300-017-0325-9
Volčanšek Š, Rahne Perc U, Lunder M, Pongrac Barlovič D.No indices of increased type 2 diabetes risk in individuals with reactive postprandial hypoglycemia.Metabolites. 2022;12(12):1232. doi:10.3390/metabo12121232
Hypoglycemia Support Foundation.Diet.
Hypoglycemia Support Foundation.Another tragic and unrecognized aspect of hypoglycemia – its connection to alcoholism.
Drummond JB, Barbosa IG, Dantzer R, Teixeira AL.The effect of insulin-induced hypoglycemia on inflammatory markers: A systematic review.Brain Behav Immun. 2018 Oct;73:41-50. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2018.05.003.
Kalra S, Unnikrishnan AG, Sahay R.The hypoglycemic side of hypothyroidism.Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2014;18(1):1-3. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.126517
Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Insulin autoimmune syndrome.
University of Michigan Medicine.Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in people without diabetes.
John Hopkins Medicine.Insulinoma.
MedlinePlus.Drug-induced low blood sugar.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Glycogen storage disease.
Bansal N, Weinstock RS.Non-diabetic hypoglycemia. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Boyce A, et al., eds.Endotext. MDText.com, Inc.
Pratiwi C, Mokoagow MI, Made Kshanti IA, Soewondo P.The risk factors of inpatient hypoglycemia: A systematic review.Heliyon. 2020;6(5):e03913. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03913
National Institutes of Health.Non-diabetic hypoglycemia.
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