Hypoglycemia
What Does It Mean?
- Hypoglycemia is a condition in which blood sugar (glucose) levels drop below normal, leading to symptoms that may interfere with normal bodily functions.
- This can occur due to excessive insulin production, prolonged fasting, excessive physical activity, or underlying metabolic disorders.
- Functional medicine addresses the root causes of hypoglycemia, including hormonal imbalances, dietary insufficiencies, and metabolic dysfunctions.
How Did We Get Here?
Root Causes & Contributing Factors:
- Excessive Insulin Production: Reactive hypoglycemia due to an exaggerated insulin response after meals.
- Poor Dietary Intake: Insufficient carbohydrate consumption or imbalanced macronutrient intake.
- Adrenal Dysfunction: Cortisol imbalances may affect glucose regulation.
- Excessive Physical Activity: Increased glucose utilization without adequate replenishment.
- Metabolic Disorders: Underlying conditions such as insulin resistance or mitochondrial dysfunction.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Shakiness, dizziness, and sweating.
- Confusion, irritability, or difficulty concentrating.
- Sudden hunger or weakness.
- Rapid heartbeat and anxiety.
- Severe cases can lead to seizures or loss of consciousness.
Lab Test Findings
The following lab tests help evaluate hypoglycemia and its underlying causes:
| Lab Test Name | Expected Changes | Optimal Range |
| ALT (SGPT) | Altered | 10.00-26.00 U/L |
| C-Peptide | Altered | 1.10-2.10 ng/mL |
| Glucose, Serum | Decreased | 75.00-86.00 mg/dL |
| Hemoglobin A1C | Decreased | 4.60-5.30 % |
| HOMA2-IR | Altered | 0.75-1.25 index |
| Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) | Altered | 140.00-200.00 U/L |
How Do We Treat It?
Treatment focuses on stabilizing blood sugar levels and improving metabolic function. A well-structured nutrition plan with balanced macronutrients, customized at the provider’s discretion, is the most effective approach.
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Balanced Meal Composition: Include complex carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats in every meal.
- Frequent Meals: Eating small, balanced meals throughout the day to maintain stable blood sugar.
- Adrenal Support: Adaptogenic herbs and stress management techniques to support cortisol balance.
- Limit Refined Carbohydrates: Avoid high-glycemic foods that cause rapid blood sugar spikes and crashes.