How to Diagnose Hypoglycemia

The symptoms of hypoglycemia are hard to trace, because they are not unique. Any number of conditions including infections and glandular secretion imbalance also show up with dizziness, trembling, and other symptoms common to hypoglycemia. Self-diagnosis is risky, but taking stock of symptoms and when they occur will help both you and your doctor figure out what really ails you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Diagnose Hypoglycemia

1. Educate yourself about hypoglycemia. Websites such as Diagnose Me.com can help (see Resources below) you learn the basics.
2. Take stock. Write down which symptoms you suffer from and when. Also note which actions seem to make them better or worse.
3. Notice specifically what happens when you are having symptoms and eat during this time. See if the symptoms go away and exactly how long it takes.
4. Use the information you gather to find out whether you seem to have reactive or fasting hypoglycemia. Reactive hypoglycemia is characterized by a quick decline in blood sugar level within two or three hours of eating. Fasting hypoglycemia occurs after a fast, especially in the morning.
5. See your doctor and tell him your symptoms.
6. Follow the doctor's instructions for whatever tests she prescribes, such as a glucose Tolerance test or a symptom blood test.
7. Keep in mind that a glucose tolerance test takes several hours and that you may feel a little sick afterwards.
8. Tell your doctor the specific times when you experienced symptoms. She may want you to have your blood taken at the moment when symptoms are occurring.
9. Be patient if the doctor orders a number of tests. She may want to eliminate other possible causes of your discomfort before settling on a diagnosis.
10. Accept the doctor's diagnosis and follow her advice.

Tips & Warnings

• Most hypoglycemia can be controlled with changes in diet and activity levels. Outside of diabetics, it is very rare for this condition to pose a danger to the body.
• Tell your doctor about any medicines you are taking, even those purchased over the counter. One cause of hypoglycemic symptoms is a drug reaction.
• Do not try to diagnose yourself. Only a doctor can diagnose hypoglycemia.
• While herb and vitamin remedies may help relieve some of your symptoms, do not depend on them exclusively. They may mask other problems or make other prescribed treatments less effective. Tell your doctor about any supplements you are taking.

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