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What Causes Hypoglycemia While Sleeping?
Question: Ive recently all of the sudden had an issue with hypoglycemia. I got a meter and have been checking it in the morning and night. The lowest ive ever been was like 70's... This morning it was 30! I got really nervous and took 3 glucose tablets and then ate my breakfast. It did go up. Why would it drop that low while i was asleep. I didnt really have any symptoms. I was just laying there. I have not been diagnosed with diabetes. I do not take insulin. My A1C was 5.8 last checked. My sugar is never high. The highest ive ever seen it was 178 right after a sugary meal tho. Im not sure what to do ot how to deal with this. Also what could be causing this?
Brief Answer:
about hypoglycemia diagnosis;
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone carefully through your concern.
First i would like to say that the glucose value you reported (30 mg/ dl) can bot be real, it should be probably an error of the glucometer.
Regarding to the causes of Hypoglycemia, they are classified as; 1) reactive hypoglycemia (happens usually after eating a carbohydrate reach meal and is treated by modifying the diet).
2) Hypoglycemia caused by a tumor producing too much insulin ( insulinoma) that causes fasting hypoglycemia.
The second should be confirmed by a 72 hour fasting test ( if hypoglycemia occurs, insulin is checked at that moment).
Your HbA1c level does not suggest for hypoglycemic events and the value you checked ( 30 mg/ dl) is hardly not associated with hypoglycemic symptoms
So, i would advice to check the blood sugar at the moment you have symptoms of hypoglycemia. If it results low ( under 70 mg/dl) report it to your physician.
Hope i have been helpful.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
about hypoglycemia diagnosis;
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone carefully through your concern.
First i would like to say that the glucose value you reported (30 mg/ dl) can bot be real, it should be probably an error of the glucometer.
Regarding to the causes of Hypoglycemia, they are classified as; 1) reactive hypoglycemia (happens usually after eating a carbohydrate reach meal and is treated by modifying the diet).
2) Hypoglycemia caused by a tumor producing too much insulin ( insulinoma) that causes fasting hypoglycemia.
The second should be confirmed by a 72 hour fasting test ( if hypoglycemia occurs, insulin is checked at that moment).
Your HbA1c level does not suggest for hypoglycemic events and the value you checked ( 30 mg/ dl) is hardly not associated with hypoglycemic symptoms
So, i would advice to check the blood sugar at the moment you have symptoms of hypoglycemia. If it results low ( under 70 mg/dl) report it to your physician.
Hope i have been helpful.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
I do have confirmed hypoglycemia from my doctor. The result of 30 was this morning when i woke up. I have had symptoms in past.
Brief Answer:
Insulinoma should be excluded:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You should take a blood sample to check the insulin level at that moment, if high further procedures to confirm an insulinoma should be done.
Regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Insulinoma should be excluded:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You should take a blood sample to check the insulin level at that moment, if high further procedures to confirm an insulinoma should be done.
Regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Okay, i will talk with my doctor about this. Thank you. If its not could this be reactive hypoglycemia?
Brief Answer:
Adrenal insufficiency would be the second to exclude:
Detailed Answer:
If it is not, a cortisol level should be checked, a low cortisol may cause hypoglycemia.
Reactive hypoglycemia does not occur fasting.
Regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Adrenal insufficiency would be the second to exclude:
Detailed Answer:
If it is not, a cortisol level should be checked, a low cortisol may cause hypoglycemia.
Reactive hypoglycemia does not occur fasting.
Regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
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