Best Hypoglycemia Doctors in Chennai

Hypoglycaemia, commonly known as "low blood sugar," is a medical condition characterised by abnormally low levels of glucose in the blood. A vital source of energy for the body, glucose levels can drop due to various reasons, including overuse of diabetic medication, insulin-secreting tumours (insulinomas), certain critical illnesses, hormone deficiencies or even bariatric surgery. Those suffering from hypoglycaemia may experience diverse symptoms that could progress from mild distress to serious health problems if left untreated. Predispositions to this condition include having diabetes, being overweight or obese, and having pre-existing conditions such as hormone imbalances.

Chennai, a bustling city in southern India, sees a high incidence of diabetes one of the primary causes for hypoglycaemia. With its hot and humid climate that can exacerbate dehydration and sugar imbalance, it's particularly crucial for residents to remain vigilant about maintaining healthy sugar levels. Thankfully, numerous low blood sugar treatment doctors and hypoglycaemia treatment specialists are available in Chennai, ensuring that help is at hand when needed.

Types/Stages of Hypoglycemia

The four key types of hypoglycaemia include:

• Diabetic Hypoglycaemia: Predominantly seen in people managing diabetes through insulin or sulfonylureas medication.

• Non-Diabetic Hypoglycaemia: Less common and caused by insulinomas, certain medications or illnesses, or hormonal issues.

• Reactive Hypoglycaemia: It occurs 2-4 hours after a meal and frequently observed in overweight or obese individuals.

• Gestational Hypoglycaemia: This form arises during pregnancy and is more common in women under 25 with pre-existing conditions.

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

Observing your body's signals is vital to detect hypoglycaemia. Common symptoms include:

• Sweating

• Tremors

• Intense Hunger

• Heart palpitations

• Confusion

• Fatigue

• Seizures

• Coma

Tests to Diagnose Hypoglycemia

At Apollo hospitals, doctors for hypoglycaemia employ a comprehensive range of diagnostic tests to ascertain the presence and degree of hypoglycaemia. These include:

• Blood Glucose tests: To measure your blood sugar level.

• Insulin level tests: To assess your body's insulin production.

• C-peptide and Proinsulin levels: To identify whether your pancreas is producing too much insulin.

• 72-hour fasting with frequent blood draws: To monitor your blood sugar during a prolonged fasting period.

• Mixed-meal tolerance test: To check how your body reacts to sugar and carbohydrates.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Hypoglycemia at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai

Appropriate treatment is vital to manage hypoglycaemia successfully. At Apollo hospitals in Chennai, our team of doctors for hypoglycaemia treatment offers a range of treatments:

• Provision of glucose: For acute hypoglycaemia, immediate glucose intake is advised.

• Medication Adjustment: For patients with diabetic hypoglycaemia, adjusting their medication can help manage their sugar levels effectively.

• Dietary Changes: Smaller, more frequent meals can prevent sudden sugar level drops.

• Medication to inhibit insulin secretion: In certain cases, medications like diazoxide and octreotide are used to control the body's insulin production.

• Surgery: In severe cases of insulinomas, a partial pancreatectomy may be considered.