From the Research
Crohn's disease does not directly cause hypoglycemia, but malnutrition and other complications associated with the disease may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. According to the provided evidence, hypoglycemia is often related to treatment of diabetes, drugs, alcohol, critical illness, cortisol insufficiency, insulinoma, bariatric or gastric surgery, pancreas transplantation, or glucagon deficiency 1. While Crohn's disease is not explicitly mentioned as a cause of hypoglycemia, malnutrition and other complications associated with the disease may contribute to an increased risk of hypoglycemia 2.
Key Points to Consider
- Hypoglycemia is characterized by blood glucose levels below 70 mg/dL and can cause symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness.
- Malnutrition and other complications associated with Crohn's disease may increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
- The timing of hypoglycemic episodes with respect to the last meal can help orientate diagnosis, with fasting hypoglycemia potentially related to type 0, I, or III glycogen synthesis disorder, fatty acid oxidation, or gluconeogenesis disorder 1.
- Assessment of nutritional status using questionnaires and biomarkers may be helpful in determining the risk of hypoglycemia, and administration of oral nutritional supplements may decrease this risk 2.
Recommendations for Patients with Crohn's Disease
- Monitor blood sugar levels regularly, especially if experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia.
- Maintain good nutritional status through a balanced diet and consider oral nutritional supplements if necessary.
- Consult with a healthcare provider about any concerns regarding medication side effects or unexplained symptoms of low blood sugar.
- Be aware of the potential risks of hypoglycemia associated with Crohn's disease and take steps to prevent and manage it, as hypoglycemia can have significant effects on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality 3.