From the Research
Not eating enough can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) even in people without diabetes, and it is essential to prioritize regular meals and snacks to maintain stable blood sugar levels. When you skip meals or don't eat enough, your blood sugar can drop too low, leading to symptoms like shakiness, dizziness, irritability, confusion, sweating, and fatigue 1. To prevent this, eat regular meals and snacks throughout the day, focusing on a balanced combination of complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. Small, frequent meals every 3-4 hours can help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Always carry quick-acting carbohydrate snacks like fruit, crackers, or glucose tablets for emergencies. If you experience frequent hypoglycemic episodes despite eating regularly, consult a healthcare provider as this could indicate an underlying condition such as reactive hypoglycemia, hormonal imbalances, or liver problems 2.
Some of the causes of hypoglycemia in non-diabetic individuals who are not consuming sufficient calories include:
- Insufficient food intake, leading to low blood sugar levels 3
- Certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease or endocrine disorders 4
- Autoimmune insulin syndrome (AIS), a rare condition characterized by high serum insulin and normal C-peptide levels 2
- Organic or non-diabetic hypoglycemia (NDH), a rare disease that requires confirmation through the Whipple triad (plasma glucose level <2.8 mmol/l, symptoms of neuroglycopenia, and their relief with administration of sugar) 5
It is crucial to note that hypoglycemia can have severe consequences, including loss of consciousness, convulsions, and even death if left untreated for an extended period 3. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize prevention and prompt treatment of hypoglycemia to minimize its impact on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.
In terms of diagnosis and management, a 72-hour fast test may be necessary to guide the diagnosis of hypoglycemia in healthy individuals without evident causes 5. Additionally, sophisticated imaging may be required to localize tumors or exclude alternative diagnoses in cases of confirmed endogen hyperinsulinism 5. However, in real-life clinical practice, it is often more practical to focus on preventing hypoglycemia through regular meals and snacks, rather than relying solely on diagnostic tests.