From the Guidelines
Hypoglycemia in non-diabetic patients is generally defined as a blood glucose level below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L). This definition is based on the most recent and highest quality study, which emphasizes the importance of recognizing and treating hypoglycemia promptly to prevent morbidity and mortality 1. According to this study, a blood glucose concentration of 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) has been recognized as a threshold for neuroendocrine responses to falling glucose in people without diabetes.
Key Points to Consider
- Severe hypoglycemia is typically considered when blood glucose falls below 54 mg/dL (3.0 mmol/L) 1.
- In non-diabetic individuals, the body normally maintains blood glucose within a tight range through hormonal regulation, primarily involving insulin, glucagon, and epinephrine.
- When hypoglycemia occurs in someone without diabetes, it warrants investigation as it may indicate an underlying medical condition such as insulinoma, hormone deficiencies, liver disease, or medication effects.
- Common symptoms of hypoglycemia include shakiness, sweating, hunger, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or seizures.
Recommendations for Treatment
- If a non-diabetic person experiences hypoglycemia, they should consume 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates (like juice or glucose tablets) and seek medical evaluation to determine the cause, especially if episodes are recurrent or severe 1.
- A hypoglycemia management protocol should be adopted and implemented by each hospital or hospital system to prevent and treat hypoglycemia in patients with or without diabetes 1.