Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHypoglycemia and FertilityHypoglycemia and GestationHypoglycemia and PostpartumFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
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Table of Contents
Hypoglycemia and Fertility
Hypoglycemia and Gestation
Hypoglycemia and Postpartum
Frequently Asked Questions
Hypoglycemiaoccurs when your blood glucose levels drop too low to support normal body functions. It is usually defined as a blood glucose level less than 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
In pregnant people, it occurs most often among those with chronicdiabetes mellitus. It can also result fromgestational diabetes, which begins when you’re pregnant. Though rare, this problem can arise from other causes.
Low blood sugar can causefatigue,heart palpitations,andfainting. Severe cases can result inseizuresorcoma. Without treatment, it can be fatal. Hypoglycemia can also cause harm to the developing fetus or complications after birth.
With proper care, this problem can often be managed with diet and medications. Preventing a sudden drop in your blood sugar is the best way to control this problem.
This article explains how hypoglycemia affects fertility outcomes, gestation, and the postpartum period.
Guido Mieth / Getty Images
Hypoglycemia can develop as a common complication of diabetes. Even if you’ve never had hypoglycemia, havingtype 1ortype 2 diabetesbefore or during your childbearing years may make it more difficult to get pregnant.
People with diabetes can experience problems with reproductive organs, including thefallopian tubes,ovaries, oruterus. They can also have delayedpuberty, irregularmenstrual cycles, earlymenopause, andpolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), all of which can contribute toinfertility.
The Effect of Diabetes on Men’s FertilityThere is evidence that diabetes can interfere with male fertility. Research shows that people with penises, diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, may be more likely to have the following problems:Lower than normal sperm concentrationAbnormal sperm movementHigher incidence of abnormal sperm formation
The Effect of Diabetes on Men’s Fertility
There is evidence that diabetes can interfere with male fertility. Research shows that people with penises, diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, may be more likely to have the following problems:Lower than normal sperm concentrationAbnormal sperm movementHigher incidence of abnormal sperm formation
There is evidence that diabetes can interfere with male fertility. Research shows that people with penises, diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, may be more likely to have the following problems:
While it’s possible to develop hypoglycemia without diabetes, the occurrence is rare. Having low blood sugar without diabetes may be a sign of one of the following health conditions, which may affect your ability to conceive:
Is Hypoglycemia Hereditary?
Abnormal blood glucose levels may affect you and the developing fetus. Whether it’s related to preexisting type 1 or type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, or another cause, untreated hypoglycemia can increase the risk of complications for pregnant people and their babies.
Risks
Glucose is the main source of energy for your body and brain. Without enough glucose, you’re unable to continue normal physical and mental function.
Normalglucose levelsare necessary to meet the changing demands of a pregnant person supporting a growing fetus. Keeping glucose levels within the normal range also helps the pregnant body store energy for labor andlactation (nursing). Untreated low blood sugar can result in seizures and a coma. Without treatment, severe episodes can lead to death.
Sufficient glucose levels in the pregnant body are also necessary to support fetal development until birth. Sustained low levels of blood glucose during pregnancy may prevent normal fetal growth and cause infants to be born small for gestational age. It may also damage fetal beta cells, which produce and regulate insulin.
Prevalence of Hypoglycemia Diagnosis in PregnancyHypoglycemia in pregnancy is very common. Having type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes increases your risk of hypoglycemia during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes occurs in up to 10% of pregnant people in the United States. Up to 71% of women with type 1 diabetes develop hypoglycemia at some time during pregnancy.
Prevalence of Hypoglycemia Diagnosis in Pregnancy
Hypoglycemia in pregnancy is very common. Having type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes increases your risk of hypoglycemia during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes occurs in up to 10% of pregnant people in the United States. Up to 71% of women with type 1 diabetes develop hypoglycemia at some time during pregnancy.
Concerning Symptoms
Symptoms of hypoglycemia may vary among different people. The only way to identify low blood glucose levels is to take a test. A reading lower than 70 mg/dL indicates low blood sugar.
Common problems that occur with this condition include the following issues:
Symptoms that Require Emergency TreatmentYou will need emergency treatment for a hypoglycemic episode if you have the following symptoms:Change in consciousnessContinued confusion after taking glucagonContinued low blood glucose levels despite consuming carbohydrates or taking glucagon
Symptoms that Require Emergency Treatment
You will need emergency treatment for a hypoglycemic episode if you have the following symptoms:Change in consciousnessContinued confusion after taking glucagonContinued low blood glucose levels despite consuming carbohydrates or taking glucagon
You will need emergency treatment for a hypoglycemic episode if you have the following symptoms:
Treatment
Treatment for pregnant people with hypoglycemia is similar to treatment for the condition at any stage of life. It can often be treated with a regimen that requires you take the following precautions:
If you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) advises that you check your blood glucose levels. If your blood glucose levels are low or you have symptoms and are unable to test, take the following steps:
Treatment for Extreme HypoglycemiaIf you have a severe hypoglycemic event, in which you need help to recover, you should take glucagon. Glucagon is a prescription hormone that promotes the release of stored glucose into your bloodstream. It is available in injectable or inhaled forms. You should instruct close friends, family members and coworkers on how to administer glucagon in case you need it.
Treatment for Extreme Hypoglycemia
If you have a severe hypoglycemic event, in which you need help to recover, you should take glucagon. Glucagon is a prescription hormone that promotes the release of stored glucose into your bloodstream. It is available in injectable or inhaled forms. You should instruct close friends, family members and coworkers on how to administer glucagon in case you need it.
Impact on Recovery
If you had hypoglycemia as a complication of type 1 or type 2 diabetes, your blood levels should return to the levels you were able to maintain before pregnancy.
Having gestational diabetes gives you a higher risk of identifying unknown type 1 or type 2 diabetes after delivery. About 50% of people who had gestational diabetes during pregnancy later develop type 2 diabetes, but there are steps you can take to prevent it.
Makinglifestyle changesas you recover from childbirth may help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Initial testing for postpartum diabetes is conducted between four weeks and six months after giving birth. Even if you have a negative initial postpartum diabetes screening, screening may continue every three years for at least 10 years postpartum.
Risk of Gestational Diabetes in Later PregnanciesIf you have had gestational diabetes, you likely will have it again in future pregnancies. Having gestational diabetes leaves you with a 2 in 3 chance that it will occur in future pregnancies.
Risk of Gestational Diabetes in Later Pregnancies
If you have had gestational diabetes, you likely will have it again in future pregnancies. Having gestational diabetes leaves you with a 2 in 3 chance that it will occur in future pregnancies.
Nursing
The process helps the nursing parent’s body process glucose and insulin better after pregnancy. It also helps you lose the extra weight gained during pregnancy. This can lower your risk of being overweight, arisk factor for developing type 2 diabetesat any stage of life.
Nursing as a Diabetes PreventiveNursing can help lower the risk of developing type 1 diabetes in babies. It can also reduce their chances of becoming overweight or obese later, both of which are risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
Nursing as a Diabetes Preventive
Nursing can help lower the risk of developing type 1 diabetes in babies. It can also reduce their chances of becoming overweight or obese later, both of which are risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
What Is Breastfeeding?
Summary
Hypoglycemia occurs when your blood glucose level drops below 70 mg/dL. At this level, it’s hard to support normal body functions as well as provide the energy needed to sustain healthy fetal growth.
Most cases of hypoglycemia in pregnancy occur in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It can also develop as a complication of gestational diabetes. Rarely, it occurs from another health problem not linked to diabetes.
Symptoms can include heart palpitations, fatigue and fainting. Severe cases can result in seizures, coma or death. It can also prevent normal fetal growth.
This problem can often be controlled with diet and medications. The best way to manage hypoglycemia is to take steps to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
A Word From Verywell
It’s normal to feel anxious and afraid when you learn that anything is wrong during your pregnancy. However, a diagnosis of hypoglycemia doesn’t have to interfere with your desire to have a normal pregnancy and healthy birth. Occasional or mild hypoglycemia usually isn’t considered harmful to you or the fetus.
While you can’t prevent hypoglycemia, you can take precautions to reduce your risk of abnormal blood sugar levels and extreme hypoglycemic events. Eat regularly, exercise daily, and monitor blood sugar levels if you have diabetes when you get pregnant. Take insulin and other medication as advised to maintain normal blood glucose levels.
Frequently Asked QuestionsA blood test showing glucose levels lower than 70 mg/dL is the only way to confirm a diagnosis of hypoglycemia. Symptoms of dizziness, racing heartbeat, and confusion may indicate lower than normal levels and the need to confirm a diagnosis with a blood test.Learn MoreHow Hypoglycemia is DiagnosedMost cases of hypoglycemia occur as a complication of type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes. While it’s possible to develop hypoglycemia without diabetes, the occurrence is rare. In these cases, the problem is often related to other health problems like tumors, alcohol abuse or diseases of the liver, heart, or kidneys.Learn MoreCauses and Risk Factors of HypoglycemiaThere’s no definitive way to prevent hypoglycemia during pregnancy, but you can lower your risk of getting it. If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, work to ensure your blood sugar levels are under control before pregnancy. During pregnancy, closely monitor blood sugar levels and report symptoms of hypoglycemia to your healthcare provider for advice.Learn MoreSymptoms of Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
A blood test showing glucose levels lower than 70 mg/dL is the only way to confirm a diagnosis of hypoglycemia. Symptoms of dizziness, racing heartbeat, and confusion may indicate lower than normal levels and the need to confirm a diagnosis with a blood test.Learn MoreHow Hypoglycemia is Diagnosed
A blood test showing glucose levels lower than 70 mg/dL is the only way to confirm a diagnosis of hypoglycemia. Symptoms of dizziness, racing heartbeat, and confusion may indicate lower than normal levels and the need to confirm a diagnosis with a blood test.
Learn MoreHow Hypoglycemia is Diagnosed
Most cases of hypoglycemia occur as a complication of type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes. While it’s possible to develop hypoglycemia without diabetes, the occurrence is rare. In these cases, the problem is often related to other health problems like tumors, alcohol abuse or diseases of the liver, heart, or kidneys.Learn MoreCauses and Risk Factors of Hypoglycemia
Most cases of hypoglycemia occur as a complication of type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes. While it’s possible to develop hypoglycemia without diabetes, the occurrence is rare. In these cases, the problem is often related to other health problems like tumors, alcohol abuse or diseases of the liver, heart, or kidneys.
Learn MoreCauses and Risk Factors of Hypoglycemia
There’s no definitive way to prevent hypoglycemia during pregnancy, but you can lower your risk of getting it. If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, work to ensure your blood sugar levels are under control before pregnancy. During pregnancy, closely monitor blood sugar levels and report symptoms of hypoglycemia to your healthcare provider for advice.Learn MoreSymptoms of Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
There’s no definitive way to prevent hypoglycemia during pregnancy, but you can lower your risk of getting it. If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, work to ensure your blood sugar levels are under control before pregnancy. During pregnancy, closely monitor blood sugar levels and report symptoms of hypoglycemia to your healthcare provider for advice.
Learn MoreSymptoms of Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
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.Basmatzou T, Hatziveis K.Diabetes mellitus and influences on human fertility.Int J Caring Sciences. 2016;9(1):371.Thong EP, Codner E, Laven JSE, Teede H.The Lancet.Diabetes & Endocrinology. 2020;8(2):134-149. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(19)30345-6Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Condorelli RA, La Vignera S, Mongioì LM, Alamo A, Calogero AE.Diabetes mellitus and infertility: different pathophysiological effects in type 1 and type 2 on sperm function.Front Endocrinol.2018;0. doi:10.3389/fendo.2018.00268Eckert-Norton M, Kirk S.Non-diabetic hypoglycemia.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013;98(10):39A-40A. doi:10.1210/jc.2013-v98i10-39AMedline Plus.Congenital hyperinsulinism.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About gestational diabetes.Medline Plus.Blood sugar.Di Cianni G, Resi V, Lacaria E, Lencioni C.Hypoglycemia in diabetic pregnancy.Gestational Diabetes. 2020;28:109-122. doi:10.1159/000487095Endocrine Society.Hypoglycemia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes in pregnancy.American Diabetes Association.Understanding and managing low blood glucose (Hypoglycemia).Women’s Preventive Services Initiative.Screening for diabetes mellitus after pregnancy.American Diabetes Association.How to treat gestational diabetes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes risk factors.American Diabetes Association.Breastfeeding and diabetes.
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.Basmatzou T, Hatziveis K.Diabetes mellitus and influences on human fertility.Int J Caring Sciences. 2016;9(1):371.Thong EP, Codner E, Laven JSE, Teede H.The Lancet.Diabetes & Endocrinology. 2020;8(2):134-149. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(19)30345-6Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Condorelli RA, La Vignera S, Mongioì LM, Alamo A, Calogero AE.Diabetes mellitus and infertility: different pathophysiological effects in type 1 and type 2 on sperm function.Front Endocrinol.2018;0. doi:10.3389/fendo.2018.00268Eckert-Norton M, Kirk S.Non-diabetic hypoglycemia.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013;98(10):39A-40A. doi:10.1210/jc.2013-v98i10-39AMedline Plus.Congenital hyperinsulinism.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About gestational diabetes.Medline Plus.Blood sugar.Di Cianni G, Resi V, Lacaria E, Lencioni C.Hypoglycemia in diabetic pregnancy.Gestational Diabetes. 2020;28:109-122. doi:10.1159/000487095Endocrine Society.Hypoglycemia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes in pregnancy.American Diabetes Association.Understanding and managing low blood glucose (Hypoglycemia).Women’s Preventive Services Initiative.Screening for diabetes mellitus after pregnancy.American Diabetes Association.How to treat gestational diabetes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes risk factors.American Diabetes Association.Breastfeeding and diabetes.
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.
Basmatzou T, Hatziveis K.Diabetes mellitus and influences on human fertility.Int J Caring Sciences. 2016;9(1):371.Thong EP, Codner E, Laven JSE, Teede H.The Lancet.Diabetes & Endocrinology. 2020;8(2):134-149. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(19)30345-6Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Condorelli RA, La Vignera S, Mongioì LM, Alamo A, Calogero AE.Diabetes mellitus and infertility: different pathophysiological effects in type 1 and type 2 on sperm function.Front Endocrinol.2018;0. doi:10.3389/fendo.2018.00268Eckert-Norton M, Kirk S.Non-diabetic hypoglycemia.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013;98(10):39A-40A. doi:10.1210/jc.2013-v98i10-39AMedline Plus.Congenital hyperinsulinism.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About gestational diabetes.Medline Plus.Blood sugar.Di Cianni G, Resi V, Lacaria E, Lencioni C.Hypoglycemia in diabetic pregnancy.Gestational Diabetes. 2020;28:109-122. doi:10.1159/000487095Endocrine Society.Hypoglycemia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes in pregnancy.American Diabetes Association.Understanding and managing low blood glucose (Hypoglycemia).Women’s Preventive Services Initiative.Screening for diabetes mellitus after pregnancy.American Diabetes Association.How to treat gestational diabetes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes risk factors.American Diabetes Association.Breastfeeding and diabetes.
Basmatzou T, Hatziveis K.Diabetes mellitus and influences on human fertility.Int J Caring Sciences. 2016;9(1):371.
Thong EP, Codner E, Laven JSE, Teede H.The Lancet.Diabetes & Endocrinology. 2020;8(2):134-149. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(19)30345-6
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Condorelli RA, La Vignera S, Mongioì LM, Alamo A, Calogero AE.Diabetes mellitus and infertility: different pathophysiological effects in type 1 and type 2 on sperm function.Front Endocrinol.2018;0. doi:10.3389/fendo.2018.00268
Eckert-Norton M, Kirk S.Non-diabetic hypoglycemia.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013;98(10):39A-40A. doi:10.1210/jc.2013-v98i10-39A
Medline Plus.Congenital hyperinsulinism.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About gestational diabetes.
Medline Plus.Blood sugar.
Di Cianni G, Resi V, Lacaria E, Lencioni C.Hypoglycemia in diabetic pregnancy.Gestational Diabetes. 2020;28:109-122. doi:10.1159/000487095
Endocrine Society.Hypoglycemia.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes in pregnancy.
American Diabetes Association.Understanding and managing low blood glucose (Hypoglycemia).
Women’s Preventive Services Initiative.Screening for diabetes mellitus after pregnancy.
American Diabetes Association.How to treat gestational diabetes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes risk factors.
American Diabetes Association.Breastfeeding and diabetes.
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