Hypoglycaemia Treatment

How is Hypoglycaemia Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose hypoglycaemia by checking blood glucose levels and confirming they are below normal. They will also inquire whether you experience symptoms related to the conditions. To confirm the diagnosis, doctors may track your blood sugar during a supervised 48-72-hour fast to identify periods of low glucose.

For reactive hypoglycaemia, a mixed-meal tolerance test (MMTT) may be performed, where blood sugar is checked several times after consuming a drink containing protein, fat and sugar. If another underlying cause of hypoglycaemia is suspected, additional imaging tests or blood tests (such as measuring insulin, C-peptide, or other hormone levels) may be required.

How is Hypoglycaemia Treated Based on Severity?

Hypoglycaemia treatment depends on the severity of low blood sugar and whether the person can safely consume fast-acting carbohydrates. Here is a summary of the treatment options based on how severe hypoglycaemia is:

Types of Hypoglycaemia and Their Treatment

The treatment for hypoglycaemia is often based on its type. Here are the types of hypoglycaemia and their treatment options:

Medical Treatments for Hypoglycaemia

While the most commonly recommended treatment for hypoglycaemia is eating carbohydrates or sugary foods, the following treatment options are also used:

Note: You must follow the advice of a qualified medical care provider during the treatment for hypoglycaemia.

Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatments for Hypoglycaemia

Hypoglycaemia is a medical emergency and can only be treated with immediate and fact-acting glucose. You can use the following Ayurvedic and complementary medicines to support the medical treatment of hypoglycaemia:

• Ayurvedic Medicines: Ayurvedic herbal remedies such as Shatavari and Ashwagandha capsules are used as supportive hypoglycaemia treatment along with fast-acting glucose, as they can help in keeping blood sugar levels at a healthy level.

• Homeopathic Medicines: Homeopathic remedies used for hypoglycaemia include Arsenicum Album, Lycopodium, Carbo Veg, Calcaria Phos, Gelsemium, China, Natrum Mur, Sepia, Chelidonium and Nux Vomica.

• Detoxification Therapies: Ayurvedic detoxification treatments such as Virechana (purgation) and Basti (medicated enemas) can be used as supplementary therapies for hypoglycaemia. These treatments can help eliminate toxins, known as Ama, rebalance the doshas and support metabolic function.

Note: Alternative treatments for hypoglycaemia should be undertaken after consulting a qualified practitioner.

Home Care for Managing Hypoglycaemia

The simple measures given below can help in managing hypoglycaemia at home:

• Keep glucose tablets, sugary snacks and other carbohydrate-rich foods easily accessible in different areas of your home.

• Let family members or people living with you know about your hypoglycaemia and explain what they should do if your blood sugar suddenly drops.

• Monitor your blood sugar regularly at home using a glucometer.

• If you have diabetes, follow the treatment plan recommended by your diabetes care team, including adjusting your insulin dose when required.

• Carry a glucagon injection kit and medical identification with you, especially when going outside.

• Keep an easy-to-carry source of sugar, such as glucose tablets, sweets or a sugary drink, with you when you leave home.

• Avoid going without food for long periods and have meals or snacks at regular intervals.

• Avoid strenuous exercise when you have not eaten enough carbohydrates beforehand.

How Long Does Hypoglycaemia Treatment Take?

Hypoglycaemia requires treatments that act rapidly and increase the sugar levels within a few minutes. Here are the approximate durations of each treatment:

Hypoglycaemia Treatment Side Effects

Treatment options like glucagon injections and octreotide injections can have the following side effects on hypoglycaemia patients:

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Hypoglycaemia

Making healthy lifestyle changes can help people manage hypoglycaemia and reduce the number of low blood sugar episodes experienced. Here are some examples:

• Consider nutrition counselling with a registered dietitian to review your eating habits and develop a suitable meal plan.

• Avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, especially on an empty stomach.

• Eat in small quantities frequently throughout the day instead of going for long periods without food.

• Include an adequate amount of carbohydrates in your daily diet to help maintain blood sugar levels.

• Eat nutritious foods by combining complex carbs with protein and fat.

• Identify and treat the underlying cause of hypoglycaemia to help prevent recurring episodes.

Triggers That Can Worsen Symptoms of Hypoglycaemia

The following factors can cause low blood sugar episodes or worsen your hypoglycaemia:

• Not eating anything for a long time.

• Exercising or engaging in physical activity without eating or consuming enough carbohydrates.

• Drinking alcohol without eating beforehand.

• Not consuming enough carbohydrates after taking diabetes medications.

• High levels of stress.

• Taking more insulin than recommended if you have diabetes.

Hypoglycaemia Treatment Cost

The cost of treating hypoglycaemia depends on how severe the symptoms are and what line of treatment is recommended. Emergency glucagon injections cost around ₹900-₹1,000 per shot in India, though the cost may differ for each brand. If hospitalisation is required to treat the condition, the cost may range from ₹2,550 to ₹1.3 lakh, depending on the duration and type of treatment. A fasting blood sugar (FBS) test, which checks your blood sugar levels, can cost between ₹80 to ₹200.

Does Health Insurance Cover Hypoglycaemia Treatment in India?

When hypoglycemia is caused by a covered pre-existing condition like Diabetes Mellitus, its treatment is typically covered by health insurance. A waiting period of up to 3 years might apply before you file a claim settlement.

Coverage can include emergency hospitalisation for severe hypoglycaemia such as room rent, nursing charges, and ambulance services, as per the applicable limits. Some plans may also offer OPD coverage through add-on covers.

If hypoglycaemia is caused by a pre-existing condition such as diabetes mellitus, coverage is subject to the policy’s pre-existing disease waiting period, which can be up to 36 months.

While hypoglycaemia itself is not covered under critical illness insurance plans, its severe complications like cardiac arrest or coma, may be covered under such plans. These plans offer a lump sum compensation for treatment expenses. However, coverage is subject to a waiting period of up to 90 days and a survival period of up to 30 days.

If adequate financial protection for hypoglycaemia-related hospitalisation is required, a sum insured of ₹10 to ₹15 lakh is recommended.

Disclaimer: Review the policy documents carefully to learn the exact coverage offered, as the inclusions, exclusions, and waiting periods can differ.