Yet non-diabetic hypoglycemia can occur due to certain medications, medical conditions, and other causes.
This article discusses the causes, risk factors, and symptoms associated with non-diabetic hypoglycemia.
It also covers how it is diagnosed and treated, possible complications, and prevention tips.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
What Is Hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia happens when your blood sugar levels drop.
After a Meal
Reactive hypoglycemiatypically happens within a few hours of eating a meal.
Also known as postprandial hypoglycemia, it is a poorly understood condition associated with excessive insulin production.
Not Eating Enough
It’s possible that your nutrition is responsible for episodes of non-diabetic hypoglycemia.
A balanced diet with well-timed meals may help to reduce symptoms and keep your blood sugar levels on target.
A diet for hypoglycemia may help.
Lean meats, whole grains, vegetables, and some fruits are healthy options.
Choosing foods with fiber, protein, and healthy fats can help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Gland Problems
Aside frominsulin, various hormones impact glucose regulation.
Growth hormone from the pituitary gland and cortisol from the adrenal glands help maintain balanced blood sugar levels.
Insulin autoimmune syndromeis a rare condition where the body creates antibodies that attack insulin.
When insulin is under attack, it has to work extra hard to regulate blood sugar levels.
People who have undergone recentbariatric surgeryoften experience hypoglycemia related to dumping syndrome.
What Is an Insulinoma?
Assigned females between the ages of 40 and 60 are most commonly affected by insulinomas.
Your liver is central to maintaining balanced glucose levels, and any disruption of liver function can cause hypoglycemia.
Renal failure, or kidney disease, also can cause hypoglycemia.
Non-diabetic hypoglycemia is usually a symptom of another health problem or lifestyle imbalance that should be addressed.
It isnota normal finding in people who aren’t diagnosed with diabetes.
However, it can also be due to other causes.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Your healthcare provider may order specific blood tests to diagnose this condition.
Treatment varies, but may include medication adjustments, dietary changes, and prescription medications.
American Diabetes Association.Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia).
Eckert-Norton M, Kirk S, eds.Non-diabetic hypoglycemia.J Clin Endocrinol & Metab.
2013;98(10):39A-40A.
2022;12(12):1232. doi:10.3390/metabo12121232
Hypoglycemia Support Foundation.Diet.
Hypoglycemia Support Foundation.Another tragic and unrecognized aspect of hypoglycemia its connection to alcoholism.
2018 Oct;73:41-50. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2018.05.003.
Kalra S, Unnikrishnan AG, Sahay R.The hypoglycemic side of hypothyroidism.Indian J Endocrinol Metab.
2014;18(1):1-3. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.126517
Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Insulin autoimmune syndrome.
University of Michigan Medicine.Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in people without diabetes.
MedlinePlus.Drug-induced low blood sugar.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Glycogen storage disease.
Bansal N, Weinstock RS.Non-diabetic hypoglycemia.
In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Boyce A, et al., eds.Endotext.
2020;6(5):e03913.
doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03913
National Institutes of Health.Non-diabetic hypoglycemia.