Join now & save up to 80% on medication

JOIN NOW
Select Language:

Join now and save 80% on medication

Register/Login
New here? Get 10% off with code WELCOME10

Fasting Hypoglycemia – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Share Post:

What is fasting hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia occurs when the blood glucose levels fall below the normal range. Clinically, it is defined as a blood sugar level of less than 60mg/dL. Being an important source of energy, glucose is mostly obtained from the food we eat. An inadequate level of glucose may affect the function of the body, and have a detrimental effect on your overall wellbeing. There are many factors that could cause hypoglycemia. This includes excessive exercise, foods and, more commonly, medications. Fasting hypoglycemia is a form of non-diabetic hypoglycemia that rarely happens. As its name implies, non-diabetic hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar in individuals without diabetes. Apart from fasting hypoglycemia, another form of non-diabetic hypoglycemia is reactive hypoglycemia, which typically occurs several hours after a meal.

Causes of fasting hypoglycemia

In healthy individuals, prolonged fasting (up to a few days) is not likely to cause low blood glucose. Fasting hypoglycemia is usually resulted from an underlying disease. Some medical conditions or diseases may lead to the failure of maintaining adequate blood glucose. For example, advanced liver diseases such as cancer, cirrhosis and viral hepatitis may impair liver functions in glucose storage and production. Other than that, glycogen storage diseases or abnormalities in the enzyme systems could also lead to fasting hypoglycemia, particularly in pediatrics and infants.  In rare cases, fasting hypoglycemia can occur due to insulinoma (a tumor in the pancreas that produces insulin). Patients who have a decreased hormone production (due to disorders affecting the adrenal and pituitary glands e.g. Addison disease) are more likely to experience fasting hypoglycemia. Other diseases that can cause fasting hypoglycemia include (but not limited to) sepsis, cancer, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. Critically ill patients are especially susceptible to fasting hypoglycemia. Alcohol is known to inhibit the hepatic formation of glucose. Therefore, excessive alcohol consumption without sufficient intake of food may lead to hypoglycemia.

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of mild fasting hypoglycemia include:

  • hunger,
  • palpitations,
  • faintness,
  • shaking,
  • nervousness,
  • sweating

In severe cases, fasting hypoglycemia could cause:

  • blurred vision,
  • slurred speech,
  • confusion,
  • inability to concentrate,
  • headaches,
  • weakness,
  • fatigue,
  • dizziness,
  • seizures,
  • coma

Treatment

There are many ways of treating hypoglycemia. For example, a dosage adjustment of any drugs being taken. Having small, frequent meals may also help to alleviate hypoglycemic symptoms. Furthermore, sugar consumption can help to restore the blood glucose levels, thereby relieving the symptoms of fasting hypoglycemia. In some cases, a surgery may be required for tumor removal.

Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this community article are strictly for informational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. This article, and other community articles, are not written or reviewed for medical validity by Canadian Insulin or its staff. All views and opinions expressed by the contributing authors are not endorsed by Canadian Insulin. Always consult a medical professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
Profile image of CDI Staff Writer

Written by CDI Staff WriterOur internal team are experts in many subjects. on October 15, 2018

Related Products

Promotion
Ozempic
  • In Stock
  • Express Shipping
New Lower Price
Mounjaro Vial
  • In Stock
  • Express Shipping
Rybelsus
  • In Stock
  • Express Shipping
Promotion
Humalog Vial
  • In Stock
  • Express Shipping

Related Articles

Diabetes, Diabetes Supplies,
Xultophy Side Effects: What to Expect and Watch For

Xultophy is a prescription medication that combines two active ingredients, insulin degludec (a long-acting insulin) and liraglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist), to help manage blood sugar in adults with type…

Read More
Diabetes, Diabetes Supplies,
Common Diabetes Medications and How They Work

Managing diabetes effectively often begins with understanding how various medications help control blood sugar levels. From traditional options like insulin and Metformin to newer injectables and combination therapies, modern medicine…

Read More
Diabetes, Diabetes Supplies,
Insulin Cartridges: Types, Benefits, and How They Work

Managing diabetes today is far more convenient and precise than it was a generation ago. One of the most patient-friendly innovations in insulin therapy is the use of insulin cartridges,…

Read More
Diabetes, Insulin, Type
Premixed Insulin: How It Works and What to Know

Managing blood sugar effectively remains the cornerstone of preventing long-term complications, and insulin therapy plays a vital role in this effort. While many patients are familiar with basal and bolus…

Read More